Report On The Karapiro Lake

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIII, Issue 6035, 21 October 1946, Page 5

Report On The Karapiro Lake

WAR MEMORIAL PROPOSAL

NATIONAL RESERVE AND PARK

The report of the Department Committee set up to consider the future development of Lake Karapiro, which /was received by the Matamata Counj/ 'Council last week, envisages the y and certain desirable areas of adjacent land, apart from a chair/width along the entire foresho/, being gazetted as a domain and/developed as a national park andyrecreational area eminently su tabbg as a war memorial for the So ltlyAuckland district. • The report suggested that the State should provide the finance for acquiring the necessary land, the bulk being used by the Hydro Electric Department as part of the hydro scheme, and balance purchased as Crown land with a view to control by a Domain Board. The State should also be responsible for 'a proposed scenic road, although it was realised that it might not be required for years. Any development work for the construction of the village should be undertaken by the Crown, on the understanding that the expenditure would be recouped from rent collected from the lessees of the sections. There was little doubt, continued the report, but that an up-to-date motor camp would be very popular and from information received from the Auckland Automobile Association would be highly remunerative. The committee stated that it was not prepared to say the development of the camp should be left to private individuals and thought that consultations f should take place with the Tourist Department regarding that work. There would be nothing in general terms to prevent the average motorist from pitching his tent or parking his caravan at other places along the lake front, provided always that the safety of the lake from the hydro-electric point of view was preserved. Considerable revenue would accrue from fees, rents and other charges, but apart from such revenue, expenditure should be borne by the State and adjacent local authorities. The lake would be a national reserve, but the majority of persons using the facilities would come from the Wai- " kato district. It therefore seemed reasonable that while the State should bear some proportion of the expenditure, perhaps from the Tourist Dept, vote, it was reasonable to expect residents of the Waikato, through their local bodies, to contribute. These local authorities could be graded according to propinquity.

The committee approved the acquisition, in addition to Hydro Electric Department reserve, of at least one chain in width/from high water mark or from the top of the shelf above, the following areas: — (a) 100 acres as a picnic ground east of the dam on the south side, and adjacent to a famous Maori battleground. This area should be developed as a picnic ground and local harbour. (b) A small area on the east bank adjacent to a waterfall. In years to come a fishing lodge might be developed at this point.

(c) At the big bend where the lake changed direction all land between the road and the lake. This would provide an excellent observation point of the lake in both directions. _ The flat land would make an admirable site for a restaurant.

(cl) The land taken by the Hydro Electric Dept, near the Maungahanine stream would be sufficient for any public purposes.

The committee urged immediate action to prevent speculation and the development of undesirable features. Certain beach areas should be cleared of grass and other weeds in order that sandy beaches for bathing could be secured and also suitable fishing grounds. This work could be done by bull-dozer at low cost.

The whole area, including the lake, should be declared a domain, which would make it a sanctuary for game. The Domain Bpard should consist of representatives of local authorities adjacent to the lake, plus State representatives. The area suggested as a village to be retained as Crown land and leased for building purposes, but excluded from the Domain. Administratively, the control, of the village should be with the Matamata County Council.

Representations made that partially disabled soldiers should be used as custodians, rangers, etc., were approved and the whole scheme was Suggested as a fitting war memorial for the South Auckland Province.

Following a brief discussion the council decided to telegraph to the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Works pointing out the extreme urgency of the bulldozer work and asking when it would be done. Clearing Commenced. A commencement has now been made with the clearing of the banks of the river at the proposed site. There is a good sized gang of men on the job preparatory to the bulldozers going into action.