AN IMPORTANT REPORT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12827, 11 June 1907, Page 8

AN IMPORTANT REPORT.

LOTItOVE'ME-VrS IN SIGHT. Tho Domain Board hos engaged a ] new head gardener, and as if to illustrate the proverb that "now brooms sweep clean," Mr James Danves- the curator in question, has signalised his appointment 'by nt onco suggesting a host of needed improvements, which should liHilio tlio gardens a very different place. Theso suggestions were adopted at a meeting of the Domain Board yesterday. Tho Chairman of tho Domain Board (Mr 11. J. Be.-i.vick) said tliat Mr Dawes had boon appointed as head gardener by tlio Executive Committee. Ho was full of energy and ideas, and in a short timo a considerable change, was likely to bo mado in tiio Gardens. In t.iis, a good deal oi expense would be involved. Tho Board had been considering tho question of acquiring tho workman's cottage on tho Ex-hibition grounds, to servo as the residenco of a caretaker, nnd if they could not do so on satisfactory terms, ho thought they should build a cottage. Tlio Exhibition authorities had offered the building to tho Board for £375 (!«lighter), and in answer to a letter rejecting this offer, had enquired tho maximum amount which the Board would bo prepared to pay. It was desirable that tho cottage should bo situated near tho probating ground, so th«t tliat part of tho gardens could bo properly supervised. Tihe engagement of Mr Dawes as head gardener was confirmed. A lengtihy report on the gardens, drawn up by tho new curator, was then read by the secrotary. REPORT ON THE GAR-DENS. Mr Daiwcs stated that he had inspected the gardens in company with tih© lato head gardener, Mr A. L. Taylor. Thoro wero many lino specimens of native and other trees, ns well a.s shrubs, and though thoy wero much overcrowded, ho felt sure that with judicious pruning and cutting out tho worthless, the place would bo mucin improved, aud tho trees shown to tho best advantage. Tho kopt lawns wero in a very bad plight, and wanted cleaning A dressing of artificial manure and a top dressing of good soil were needed, and then, with proper rolling nnd attention they would quickly recover. Ho also proposed to redtieo considerably tlio width of tho walks, and restoro tliem to what ho thought had been their original dimensions. By so doing a considerable saving of labour would be effected, also a great saving of material for the upkeep of tho roads. Tho flower beds on tho gra.ss ho would also alter somewhat, making thorn more uniform. Ho would also add a few beds, which would enable him to brighten up tfho place a very groat deal. The herbaceous borders wore in a very poor, starved condition. All tho plants would havo to bo lifted and the borders thoroughly cultivated and well manured, if satisfactory results were expected. The nursery he found in its present condition practically useless,' but there was aanple space'when tho rubbisfli -was cleared and the ground thoroughly worked to raise all the seedlings and plants required to embellish tho gardens, also trees for park planting; The two heated glass houses, when properly arranged, would bo quite sufficient for raising tender,plants, but cold frames would be required for hardening tlhem off and ior raising and providing the more ttiardy kinds. There was not a single sound framelioht on the.place, and the greater part of the tools, were completely worn out. The two mowing machines required a thorough overhauling, and there was no roller.. ; ,A,suitable core--cottage was,necessary,aa when ihe nursery was in proper working order a man would be needed thore practically the whole of his time, and if a suitable cottage for a married maivwas erected, not only a saving in labour would 'be made but he would have one reliable man constantly at hand. Needed alterations were specified in re■pect of the head gardeners cottage, and it was stated that a' horse was badly needed for work in tho gardens. The . head gardener asked that ho should be granted the whole nnd sole control in regard to engaging and discharging workmen. DISCUSSION BY THE BOARD. The Chairman said the question was whether tho Board was prepared to go to the expense of making tho improvements recommended. Ho thought they could find tho money if they decided to expend it. ..... x Mr Davey suggested that the report should bo referred to the Gardens Committee for consideration. The Chairman said ho behoved the committee were pretty well agreed as to tho desirability of the improvements. The acquisition of the workman's cottage was the most expensive item. Sir' Cooper moved that the Board could not see its way to buy the Exhibition Workman's Cottage as itf ideas o f . valuo wero so different from those of the Government. . Mr Manhiro seconded the motion, which was adopted. Tho report was then considered in detail, and it was decided to erect a gardener's cottage, to procure a horse snd cart, to obtain an estimate of tho cost of tho house alteration.*,, and to give the head gardener the sole power over workmen asked for. Mr Cooper said he thought tho City Council would tend the Board a roller.