RECREATION RESERVES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 106, 7 May 1935, Page 6

RECREATION RESERVES.

I have read with interest letters about the bad state of Waikaraka Park, Onchuiiga, for the playing of games. The Onehunga-Manukau Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Oneliunga Borough Council last week asking that this recreation reserve be put in good order for outdoor sports, and the town clerk was instructed to inform the chamber that the council was doing its best under the circumstances. In England the National Playing Fields Association (Incorporated), of which H.R.H. the Duke of York, K.G., is president, has laid it down that there should bo five acres of public playing fields to every 1000 inhabitants, which, in the case of Onehunga Borough, would call for at least 00 acres of playing areas for present requirements, without regard to the needs of the future. It is obvious that playing fields are of very little use unless they are made suitable for tho playing of the particular games to which they may from, time to time be wholly or partially allotted. For example, cricket is admitted throughout the world to be a team game of the very highest standard, and as such of. great value to the British Empire. If it is to be played with the greatest skill possible and with safety to the players smooth pitches and outfields are indispensable, also sufficient space to prevent fieldsmen in different matches from overlapping and intermingling during play. E. C. BEALE. °