PUBLIC RESERVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7607, 17 January 1903, Page 4

PUBLIC RESERVES.

+ INVESTIGATIONS BY MR- H. G. ELL. Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., has been making a search of the maps in the local Land Office with the object of discovering what public reserves there are along the base of ■the Port Hills: a.nd the banks of the river Heathcote, more especially itn that part lying between the end of Coldmbo Street and the Cashmere Iloacl. He has found that, along the. south side of the river, there is a towing-path . twenty-five feet wide. This public i pad has been encroached upon by the local landowners, it being fenced in, and the public excluded. The reserve at several points extends beyond the twentyfive feet. Immediately at the foot of Wilderness Road, both, to the ou-g-ht and the left, the reserve stretches from the edge of the water to the road along the base of the hills. This is opposite rural section 562, and there is a reserve of thi-ee acres along the bank of the river opposite Section 551. The banks of this stream are a favourite resort for picnickers in summer time, and Mr Ell considers that steps should be taken, at once to secure the narrow strip of land lying between the towing-path and the present road at the foot of the hills. The Whole would then form a pleasant public reserve, with the thills at. the back, and the tree-fringed river in the front. 'This towing-path extends along both banki of the river from the Cashmere homestead to the Estuary, and has been, fenced in ait? many points by private owners. ,-•■' Mr Ell will communicate with the Minister of Lands in order that the Department may moke a thorough survey. He states that he is much indebted to the officers of the, local Land Office for their unfailing courtesy. ' *