MOUNT HOLDSWORTH.

Wairarapa Age, 23 July 1936, Page 5

MOUNT HOLDSWORTH.

DAMAGE TO HUT DEPLORED BY CLUB. DIFFICULTIES OF CONTROL. “During the past year work has been carried out on the reserve by two working parties, one in charge of Mr. A. Wallis and the other by Mr. C. Blake, ’ ’ states the annual report of the Mount Holdsworth Club, to be presented at the annual meeting to be held at the Municipal Building on Thursday, July 30, at 8 p.m.. “The Automobile Association made the club a grant of £6 10s which enabled the club to place a new convenience on the reserve, and a new gate at the entrance to the reserve. Mr. B. lorns built the convenience free of cosj, and Mr. H. Joyce carted it to the reserve gratis. Our hearty thanks are extended to them. The erection was carried out by the working parties. Having heard that applications were being -made for milling rights to cut timber at the mountain, we approached the Gevernment to have some seven thousand acres of the bush declared a scenic, reserve. Our application was supported by the district borough councils, the forest and bird protection societies, Tramping clubs, etc. The Government gave every consideration to our application, and forwarded a letter in reply stating that on no account now, or in the future, would permission be granted to cut timber from the area mentioned on the plan, as it was necessary for the conservation of the water/iupply of the district. The Mountain House has been a source of worry and trouble to the committee through wilful damage done by hoodlums who have no thought for other people requiring shelter and rest after a day’s tramping. We feel that it is rather beyond us to keep it in further repair owing to the damage so often occurring there. PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY.

“In. connection with this matter we hope that the time is not far distant when this valuable reserve and pleas ure resort should become a public re sponsibility, and not be left to the willing voluntary efforts of a small self-appointed committee with no z income or funds, other than what the Wairarapa Automobile Association and a' few visitors care to contribute. Our committee has to face a new season with a balance of a little over £1 in hand, and much urgent work requires to be done that will cost many times that sum. We think that the public do not realise that the Holdsworth reserve is the only point at which the public can reach the unspoiled Tararua forest without long tramps and much climbing. It is with regret that our worthy secretary Mr. F. Norris, who after so many years of valuable service has asked to be relieved of the position of secretary. The committee is deeply grateful to him for his long and capable service. We are pleased ..that an enthusiastic member of the club, Mr. B. lorns, has accepted the position.” The report is signed by Mr. J. W. Lewis, president.