SCENIC RESERVE

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22245, 14 January 1944, Page 2

SCENIC RESERVE

MAUNGATAUTARI MOUNTAIN PROPOSAL TO LEASE PORTION A proposal that part of the Maungatau- ■ tari scenic reserve should be enclosed for farming was reported on to the Matamata County Council yesterday by tbe county engineer, Mr M. E. Fitzgerald who, with Mr C. H. La Trobe, had been appointed to investigate and report. It was pointed out that 100 to 130 acres of tbe north-east portion of the nserve was being damaged by fires in fern portions. In many small areas around the forest periodical scrub fires were slowly but inexorably eating away the bush. In the vicinity there were several small patches of privately-owned native bush where good pasture was growing right up to and under the trees, and where firecarrying fern and scrub was absent. Part of the northern area or the reserve car- , ried patchy grass and noxious weeds. Mr Fitzgerald said the reserve was regularly grazed by stock owned by neighbours and there was evidence of considerable timber traffic front tbe bush .for fence material and perhaps firewood. There was no road access to the area. Lease Recommended It was recommended that the neighbouring farmer be allowed to lease the area and properly farm it to the edge of the bush, but not to graze it predominantly with dairy cattle. No native trees vvould be cut or killed and a fenco vvould be erected just inside the bush. Tbe lessee would be required to take every care to prevent damage - to native trees on the area and adjoining parts of the reserve, and be required to accept appointment as honorary ranger. it was pointed out that the county council was merely trustee for the Government. ; The council decided to recommend the Forestry Department to approve a lease of about 120 acres to Mr J. H. Hicks for 20 years with the right of renewal on certain . conditions, possession to be given not later than March 1, 1 944. The opinion was expressed that similar ! areas in other forest reserves would bene- | fit by controlled grazing and by prevention of timber cutting. •I Mr E. D. White presided, and also pre- . sent were Messrs J. E. Duxfield, C. H. ' I.a Tiobe, J. W. Tims, T. Corry, P. Dee. ’ G. 11. Verity, 0. C. Dunham, A. Wallace, J. Bruce, with the clerk, Mr J. A. Beck, and the engineer, Mr M. E. Fitzgerald. Leave of absence was gianted Mr J. Pohlen.