WAIHI LEADER, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2005

A tribute to Charlie

"MAY all who pass by know him. Rest a while in this place he loved."

That's the inscription on a new table-seat on the Mill Stream Walkway, donated by the Cooper family in memory of their father Charlie.

Mr Cooper, who died in December last year, wasn't known for resting, he was too busy working for community organisations. But the seat in the ambient spot known as "the cabbage patch flat" is a fitting tribute to the former Waihi Walkways chairman.

Waihi Walkways chairperson Beryl George is delighted with the addition to the walkway between Baker and Clarke streets.

It also boasts a fern arcade, access to the Cascades and two bridges with views of the stream.

The area is recovering from multiple layers of modifications from mining days and from years of neglect, Beryl says. Many native trees have been planted and rampant honeysuckle, blackberry, and other weeds are gradually being brought under control.

Waihi Walkways (www.waihiwalkways.org.nz) plans to provide access to local waterways by way of a series of linked walks. Where possible the project will incorporate environmental enhancement and restoration and heritage identification and interpretation.

Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

Send e- mail to: Waihi Walkways