COUNTRY NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 186, 7 August 1900, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

CAMBRIDGE

Now that the Borough Council has decided to reinstate the Borough Offices on the old site the ratepayers are urging the erecting of a good building that will be a credit to the town. The old offices were most unsightly, and consisted of two old Government emigrant cottages, placed together, with a small room added at the back. This back room was designated the Mayor's office, but it was never used us such except by the first Mayor (Mr J. Gwynneth), and he used to put in a great portion of his, spare time in it fighting the authorities over hospital and charitable aid matters. The public saleyards are situated just at the back, but it Is only a question of time and they will have to be moved out of the town; indeed, I think it very probable that the new Municipal Corporations Act will forbid the yards boing situated in the centre of a town. The inhabitants want a good building erected, with some nicely laid-out grounds round it which will prove an attraction to Visitors. The Jubilee Garden is opposite the site, and Victoria Square on the oth»r side of the road, In which our local cricketers and footballers hold their matches.

Unfortunately, through a disagreement with the Waikato Union, our football club is not doing much this season beyond having a game or two with those living on. the west side of the river; but I trust another year will see them on the old footing in the Union, for we have a few* good players still left in this districts I have often been told by Auckland friends that if we want to boom Cambridge we should start golf. My opinion is that all we require is for a few enthusiasts to pay, us a visit and tell us what is required, and we should soon find some one to take the matter up. It is owing to a visit of the late Mr Martin McDermott, of Ponsonby, and to Mr Walter Wright, of • Remuera, coming to reside amongst ua that we now have a strong Bowling Club; and if some of your golflsts will spend a season with us we can doubtless form an equally good Golf Club. A lady and her son have been knocking the ball about a little on Victoria Square and that has excited the curiosity of many of, the inhabitants, indeed the lady in question has had a narrow escape of being Interviewed as to the rules of the game. Re our Bowling Club, I am sure the Auckland players will be pleased to. learn we are having our old green renovated, and are also having a new one laid down; and, adjacent to it, will be an asphalt tennis court and a pavilion, both of which are much needed.

Dr. Roberts (late of the North Shore), has had hfs grounds put in order, and they add greatly to the beauty of the main entrance to the town, as visitors will notice as they arrive by rail. Mr Purdey, the landscape gardener, has done the work, and has been most successful in transforming what was a bare paddock into lovely grounds, with a number of • large ornamental trees in it. He is alse carrying out the improvements in the Domain.