TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 125, 30 May 1932, Page 3

TAIHAPE

CAMPING SITE Unless the Anglican and Catholic Church authorities arc prepared to waive their objections to the establishment of a company site on the old tennis grounds opposite the two churches, the Taihape Borough Council intends to abandon the proposal to establish a camp site on the section indicated. Deputations from ’he Anglican and Catholic Church congregations and interested local bodies, waited on the Borough Council on Friday evening, and expressed their views on the subject. The representatives of the two churches concerned, objected to the proposal on the grounds that noises from a camping site opposite tho churches, would distract the attention of congregations. The representatives of tie Taihape Chamber of Commerce, Taihape branch of the Wanganui Automobile Association, and the lo> 1 Retailers’ Association spoke in favour of tho proposal. The headmaster of the Taihape District High School (Air A. H. Denne) opposed the scheme because he feared that campers would help themselves to vegetables and firewood on the school property near the proposed camp site. After the deputations had withdrawn, and the matter was briefly discussed by the Borough Couaci’ the Mayor intimated that if the churches persisted in their objections, it was the duty of the council to abandon the proposal as the wishes of the churches should be respected. With this iew the council concurred, although it was hopeful that the objections would be waived. The Mayor (Mr L. B. H. de Latour) presided over a full attendance of the council at Friday’s special meeting and also present were, Messrs M. Jarvis, C. Audrey, F. Gledhill (Anglican Church representatives). J. Bartosh, R. C. Ongley, Rev. Father Doolaghty (Catholic Church representatives), W. H. Nicholls (president of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce), F. Daniels, H. Bradley, A. M. .Barnard, A. H. Denne, A. F. McKenzie, W. H. Fookes, T. C. Kincaid, G. C. Noble (secretary of the Taihape) branch of the Wanganui Automobile Association), E. J. Price (town clerk), E. A. .Abbott, Dr. G. N Mac Diarmid.

The Mayor explained in his opening remarks that.it was essential that Taihapc should have a suitable camping site. The present site was unsuitable because it did not possess the three chief requirements of a camp site, namely, light, water and conveniences. Besides it was too far away from the town and could not be kept under proper observation, with ‘ he result that undesirables had frequented the site, and motorists had kept away on this account. The proposed site opposite the churches, was ideal for camping purposes, because water, light and conveniences—the three main essential—could be provided. The Anglican and Catholic Church authorities feared that noises from the camp site would disturb church services, but he considered that they were labouring under a misapprehension, because the council intended to exercise strict supervision of the site, and he thought that the churches would find that they would not be bothered by unpleasant noises. Campers would have to pay about 2s 6d per night, in order that expenses might be defrayed and additions made to the comforts of campers. He asked the deputation to look at the matter from the point of view of the business man. An expression of opinion had been obtained from the local businessmen, and 45 had intimated that they were in favour of the new camp site, while seven were opposed to it. The council intended to be very particular about tho control of the camp site, and the regulations which would be posted on a largo board, would be rightly enfyeed. Although the conn ci I was keen on the, new camp site it did not intend to force the issue, it

there were resonable objections. A good camping site would be, of great benefit to the town, and he urge the deputations not. to overlook this fact.

Mr \\. M. Nicholls, president of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce, said that he had inspected the proposed site, and considered that at least 30 camps could be comfortably established there. Modern conveniences could be installed