ST. JOHN'S LAKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 147, 21 June 1917, Page 8

ST. JOHN'S LAKE.

m (To the Kdltor.) Sir, —There is a very beautiful town, called Southport, on the West Coast of England, half-w_y between Liverpool and Preston. Many years ago one of trap landowners offered the people 30 acres of sand hills, with a central shallow swamp, on condition that they made it into a park and also made a good road all round. The idea was taken up willingly by the inhabitants, the result being a charming park, a llower garden in summer, with joyful skating rink in winter. Outside tho park some of tbe choicest residences of the district were erected, which made a fitting frame to a delightful picture. Each party, the townspeople on the one hand and the landowner on the other, was well satisfied with the bargain that had been made. Mr. Abbott, the Church of England trustees, and other landowners are making a very similar offer, and the only thing to consider is whether this 200 acres is worthy of acceptation, on the terms proposed. How much the donors may financially benefit is entirely beside the question. It has been mentioned that there would be a four-mile road round the park, 100 ft wide. This road should divide the park from the other properties, and there appears to be no valid reason why the \andowners should not stretch their generosity a little farther and allow the citizens to lease (not sell) the road frontage, in quarter-acre building sections. This was done with Albert Park, which is less than 20 acres—2oo acres is a large piece, it would make little difference. Should this leasing be allowed, the income would pay for the park and its upkeep, and there, would be a very large annual surplus.—l am. etc.. JOHN C. ATKINSON. Mount Albert.