Many Important Points Discussed

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6097, 3 September 1947, Page 5

Many Important Points Discussed

PROPOSED KARAPIRO LAKE RESERVE

SITTING OF COMMISSION Many interesting viewpoints were discussed at the sitting last week of the Local Bodies Commission to consider the future of the Karapiro Lake. The sitting has been adjourned sine die so that local authorities may consider the matter further, and it is likely that some satisfactory arrangement will be reached when it is resumed.

“The commission has adopted this course,” said the c.hairmfm, Judge Goldstine in explaining the reason for adjournment, “because it has no desire to dictate to local authorities, but prefers that local authorities themselves should get together with the view of devising a scheme which will be acceptable to them ( all. Subject to the commission being satisfied that the scheme submitted is the most suitable one for controlling the domain and the development thereof, there would appear to be no reason why effect should not be given to it.” Waipa County Opinion The Waipa County Council was of the opinion, that the development of the area was a national responsibility but if it could be proved that the residents of Waipa County would benefit to some degree, he was prepared to make the following constructive suggestion, said the acting-chairman, Mr F. L. Onion. “That provided local bodies in the area have direct representation and majority control on any board set up, We agree to such control being vested in contributing local authorities.” In answer to His Honour, Mr ‘Onion said that he would support the suggestion that the inquiry should be adjourned so that local bodies could consider at a conference the evidence submitted to the commission and then give their opinion on the matter. Money from Hydro Profits ?

In answer to Mr Stephens, Mr J. M, Stewart, chairman of the Piako County Council, said that the matter was one for the State, which was obtaining profit from the hydro electric scheme at the lake. He felt that his county should have no financial responsibility in the matter.

As the Waikato River was being used extensively for the purpose of developing electric power for the benefit of every industry and almost every person in the North Island, would it be out of order, asked Mr Stewart, to suggest that the whole of the development costs, maintenance charges, be madfe by way of an annual grant from the State * Hydro Electricity Department ? This proposal would mean a very wide spread of the contributions necessary. Motor Camp on Modern Lines Referring to modern motor camps overseas, Mr Chamtaloup, of the Automobile Association, said what they had in mind for Karapiro was probably beyond the vision of most. If the offer was made to them he believed there would be keen competition for land at Karapiro from private people for the establishment of a motor camp on modern lines. In answer to Mr Swarbrick, Mr Champtaloup said Hamilton could develop a profitable motor camp on its own lake and likewise a profitable camp could be established on the shores of Lake Karapiro. It was just as likely that as many people would go from Hamilton to the new lake as from other centres said

Mr Chamtaloup in answer to Mr F. B. Stephens. He had visualised possibilities of Karpiro Lake from the moment the scheme had been announced. In 20 years’ time it would be a valuable national asset. Better Than Arapuni False conclusions had. been drawn between the lake at Arapuni and the Lgke at Karapiro, said Mr M. E. Fitzgerald, civil engineer, of Tirau. There was practically no acces for the public to the Arapuni Lake, said Mr Fitzgerald, whereas Karapiro was very easily accessable.

Furthermore, there were still fish in the Arapuni Lake and the lake was still fished extensively by men who had launches. There was every justfication for optimism in regard to fishing at Karapiro. Under cross-examination by Mr F. A- Swarbrick, Mr Fitzgerald said that the Karapiro Lake was contained wholly within the Matamata County. Stocking of Lake with Trout

Mr James Dobson, in making submissions on behalf of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, said that the society would continue to stock the lake heavily with trout and would institute an extensive campaign to destroy eels. In view of the heavy expense' of carrying out this work, it was submitted that tfhe society should have a representative on any board of control. Mr Dobson said that the .society would agree to be a co-opted member of the board in an advisory capacity in view of the fact that the control of expenditure would be in the hands of the contributing local , bodies.