HELMORE’S RESERVE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17218, 8 December 1923, Page 12

HELMORE’S RESERVE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Your correspondent, Mr R. E. Gfeen, who contributed the long tirade in last Saturday’s “Star” against tho Waimairi Council, Beautifying Association, River Improvement Committee, tho Helmore family and tho residents of Fendalton generally will, I trust, by this time feel a little better, and I hope that he will come over from St Albans when the fruit in tho reserve riper and go away rejoicing. Tlie great- mistake that your correspondents have made is the assumption that the late Mr Helmore, sen., had no right to fence in tlie river bank as he did. On looking at the barricades that the old gentleman found it necessary to put up, one cannot but feel that he must have been subjected to a great deal of annoyance by men who probably thought they had a right of entry, and unfortunately men like some of your correspondents have been nursing this imaginary grievance all these years, instead of finding out for themselves by instituting a search of tho record^. The records in the Lands Office show very clearly that the tow path on R-.S. No. 18. on September 16, 1867, in exsuant to Provincial Ordinance XXIV., No. 18, on Sepfcembei 16, 1867, in exchange for Helmore’.s Lane. The arrangement made for Mrs Helmore to have the use of about 30ft of her drive is quite the best arrangement that could be made in the interests of all parties. For this she has to pay a yearly rental, and it provides that no solid fence is to bo put up that would shut ont the view of this beautiful drive from the reserve.

The arrangement made docs not affect the boundary pegs, and is to be reviewed from year to year. For the information of your readers, may I point out the law that 11 occupation does not count against the Crown.” The question of widening Helmore’s Lane was discussed on tho spot by all the interested parties last night, and J have no doubt but \Vhat the recommendations of the Beautifying Association will in the main be carried out. The general question of the administration of the reserve and the responsibility for taking it over rcst v s with, myself, and if Mr Green or any other of your correspondents can do better, well there nro plenty of places where they can display tboir energies and bide their cash, but let me tell you. sir, very plainly, that our city is paying e. big price to-day for the way in which she deals with the actions of men desirous of contributing to her welfare. Wo are fortunate in gaining possession of this valuable reserve, and in years to come will appreciate the work of the pioneer who planted it for us sixty veers ago.—T am. etc . R. B. OWEN. (Thi*> controversy is referred to in