PIONEER FAMILIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 167, 19 July 1935, Page 6

PIONEER FAMILIES

RANGITIKEI AND MANAWATU PROPOSAL FOR MEMORIAL MT. STEWART AS SITE Correspondent'. SANSON, July 17. The proposal that there should be erected on Mt. Stewart a memorial to the pioneer families who first settled the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts is considerably advanced as a result of a. decision by the Manawatu County Council to make a survey of the crest of the hill so that a parking area might be laid out as a preliminary effort. There were two letters on the subject before the council at its meeting on Wednesday. “There is in evidence.’’ wrote Mr. AV. J. Croucher, of Palmerston North. “considerable weight of public opinion, not by any means solely confined to the Manawatu County, that the time has arrived when something definite should be undertaken to provide tangible acknow lodgment aud to perpetuate the memory of the pioneers who blazed the trail of development in the Manawatu and surrounding counties. I ? rom its commanding elevation and central position, Mt. Stewart is a vantage point which lemls itself as the most suitable site upon which a memorial could be eroctod. overlooking as it does the area of live counties and comprising one of the most resourceful tracts of agricultural country in the Dominion. It is unsurpassed in the variety of landscape beauties that are \ isible in every direction from its summit and is admirably suited in every wav as a site for a memorial.” Mr. (Toin-livr suggested that as a preliminary to anything of a more port.en.'oiis nature that may subsequently be undertaken, that the council take in hand lhe laying off and reading of an area which will serve as a parking place. The ever-growing popularity of Mt. Stewart as a sight-seeing observa lion point, together with the inadequate a« commodat ion for cars on the main highway, makes it necessary that something shouhl be done to prevent danger ous congestion and the possibility of accidents. In the firm belief that the louncil will approve of the wider scheme embodying the erection of a memorial, the further suggestion was made by Mr. (Toucher that steps be taken to ascertain the wishes of residents and public bodies in adjoining counties, ami also the extent to which they will co-oper-ate. When this was known a united effort .would be possible. Mr, Croucher added that, ho would be proud to be associated with any movement in the direction advocated. Mr. T. R. Holder, Palmerston North, wiote in reference to the same matter. He said the site suggested was a most admirable one. from every point of view, and at present it was hardly a credit Io lhe rich ami prosperous county. It might become, however, a beautiful historic spot under the scheme suggested. Air. Hodder mentioned Mr. A. E. Pearce, of Waituna AVest. as another supporter of the suggestion. The chairman ((’r. AV. E. Barber) said he and the clerk and engineer had met Mr. (Toucher on the site and they quite saw its advantages. The matter was discussed for a considerable time, after which it was finally decided to have the survey made, and Crs. Perreit, Reid and Pearce, the engineer (Mr. Bond), clerk (Mr. Drewi, and Mr. (Toucher wore appointed a ■ omniilloe to submit further proposals.