Improved Facilities For Mowhanau Beach Being Planned

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 April 1949, Page 7

Improved Facilities For Mowhanau Beach Being Planned

An application for permission to erect buildings comprising a store, milk bar, tea rooms, and cabins at Mowhanau Beach was received from Mr S. Dustin, of Wanganui, at Tuesday's meeting of the Waitotara County Council. The applicant stated that he had already applied for permission to operate a bus service from Wanganui to the beach. "I would like to mention that the proposition would be a decided improvement to the facilities at the beach which today are not of a standard in keeping with the popularity of the beach,” stated the applicant in his letter. Councillors agreed that the facilities suggested by the applicant were urgently needed at Mowhanau Beach and that every effort should be made to help him, provided that the regulations controlling beaches and camp sites were complied with. It was stated that one of the biggest problems facing the applicant was the provision of adequate drainage facilities, it being estimated by the engineer that some 5000 gallons of water would have to be disposed of daily during the summer months. "I think the applicant should be commended on his scheme. It is a most worthwhile project,” commented a councillor. The applicant waited on the meeting and answered questions by councillors. He said he had camped on many New Zealand beaches and considered Mowhanau was one of the best in the Dominion. It was agreed that the applicant should inspect the area in company with the engineer (Mr. W. J. Gardiner) and the county health inspector (Mr. J. F. Dimes). The engineer said that from geologists reports it would appear that artesian water could be obtained at a depth of 700 feet. The applicant said he was having investigations made into the provision of adequate water supplies. ‘‘This is the beginning of something decent,” commented the chairman (Mr. G. Palmer) when a councillor commented that at present the beach was poorly served