RIVER TRUST DISBANDED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 39, 15 February 1941, Page 4

RIVER TRUST DISBANDED

LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE GIVEN INTERESTING LINK SEVERED. After many years of useful public service the Wanganui River Trust has been disbanded and its affairs are now being conducted by the Crown Lands Department. With its passing has been removed a vital link with the control of the scenic reserves of the river and district. The trust comprised country members from as far as Taumarunui, city members, and Government representatives. The members of Parliament from Wanganui, Rangitikei, and Patea also had seats on the Trust. The Government representatives before the Trust went out of office were Messrs.. W. A. Veitch (chairman), H. J. Duigan, and J. J. Lissette. On Mr. Veitch resigning, Mr. Lissette became chairman. Both Mr. Lissette and Mr. Duigan retained office until the end of last year when the Trust was finally abolished.

In its day the Trust looked after 11,000 acres of scenic reserves on the river, and did much tree planting, and also looked after the river itself. For this work the Trust employed a staff of about 20 men who would attend to the removal of snags in the river in the upper reaches. The Trust had its headquarters alongside the Union Boat shed on Taupo Quay. It had a fleet of a law launches and the river boat wai-Iti, which was the official Trust vessel Io carrying out inspections on the river. The Wai-Iti now lies outside the Trust building on the slipway covered with mud brought down by what has now become known as the Centennial flood, in February of last year.

When the Wanganui River Road was finished a few years ago giving road access to Pipiriki much of the activity of the Trust was curtailed. Interviewed yesterday, Mr. Lissette said he did not know what the future policy o’ the department was in regard tc the numerous scenic reserves along the river. Some time ago Mr. Duigan expressed the opinion that the reserves and other assets along the river were far too valuable to leave without adequate supervision and he suggested ■that Mr. Lissette be given some status to exercise much needed control. Mr. Duigan stressed the intimate knowledge Mr. Lissette has of the river and its people.