POSSIBILITY OF COASTAL SAND DUNES BEING VESTED IN CITY COUNCIL

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 April 1949, Page 6

POSSIBILITY OF COASTAL SAND DUNES BEING VESTED IN CITY COUNCIL

; As the result of representations • made to the authorities in Wellington there was every indication that the Land Settlement Committee would approve of 800 acres of coastal sand dune country near Kaitoke, and a recreational reserve of 50 acres, being vested in the Wanganui City Council, said the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., at the monthly meeting on Tuesday night of the Wanganui City Council. Mr. C. L. Duigan, who had offered £2OOO toward the initial cost of ah afforestation scheme for the coastal belt from the Kaitoke Stream to the mouth of the Whangaehu River, still felt that the council should further explore the possibility of taking over the larger portion. One difficulty, however, was a lease which did not expire till 1963. No doubt the Land Settlement Committee would favour the 800 acres being vested in the council, the Mayor added. In the near future a deputation from the council would again visit Wellington and take this question up with the Minister concerned and the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Representations would be made regarding the council acquiring the larger area of land. “I do feel that it is essential that, we should make every endeavour to acquire the balance of the land to the mouth of the Whangaehu River, which would give us another 2000 acres,” said Cr. N. M. Izard. He believed that this land could be vested in the council subject to the presen' lease, and that arrangements could be made with the lessee for access. Such a move would facilitate the council’s tree planting scheme. “It would be much better to get this point settled now, rather than wait till he lease falls in,” Cr. Izard added.