[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]

LEADER 9.07.2002

Waihi Walkways are looking forward to opening their new walkway off Baker St, which has recently been built on DoC land.

The track has been built with an easy-grade bed and metalled through an historically significant area beside Union Hill. It is in the neighbourhood of a former large Cassel experiment cyanide plant -long gone - built in 1894 to prove the suitability of the Martha ore for the cyanide process.

Eastern Stream runs by in a little gully beside the track and has lent its name to the new walkway.

Not completed as yet, the Walkway committee is loth to encourage walkers into the area as the track has yet to be extended to the bottom of Clarke St and signage has to be installed. Motorbikes are not permitted on the track.

Because the area is Dept of Conservation land a high standard of construction has been necessary, to meet DoC specifications. Allan Berntsen, conservation officer of Thames, has constructed the track to the same standard he has used on other DoG walkways throughout Coromandel.

The annual general meeting of the Walkways society was held in mid June.

To a comfortably large gathering in the memorial hall supper room, president Ruth Ordish Benner read her report of the year's accomplishments, before the incumbent committee was re-instated for the coming year.

Peter Carter of Thames, DoC's property manager for visitor and historic assets for the Coromandel and Hauraki conservancy, was guest speaker. He has been employed in the DoC service for many years and delivered a very interesting talk crammed with facts and relevant information.

Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

Send e- mail to: Waihi Walkways