IMPROVING THE PARKS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14919, 18 March 1914, Page 10

IMPROVING THE PARKS.

THE FENCING QUESTION

At the meeting of the Riccarton Borough Council last evening, Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., attended to lay before the Council a scheme for improving tho present state of the parks which border on tho western boundary of tho borough from Munnings's corner, Aldington, to the Fendalton bridge. At present, he said the view of the parks was obscured, and their condition heeded improvement. It was a matter which interested all the people of Christchureh, but more particularly of Riccarton. Ho would suggest that the live fence be swept away fronting all tho maih\ roads, and a light fence be erected inside the second row of trees, thus providing one of the finest walks near tho borough to be found anywhere in Christchureh. This scheme, if carried out, would be a great improvement to the borough, and if the Council would undertake to keep the grass down in certain areas, it would dispose of the chief objection of some members of the Domain Board, which had control of the Park. There was a splendid avenue of trees, which would provide one of the most beautiful approaches to the city and tho borough to bo found in Christchureh.

In reply to a question as to whether it was suggested that the Council should remove the live fence and replace it with one similar to that along Lincoln rohd. Mr Ell stated that the latter was far too expensive. All that was necessary was a light fence to keep sheep in.

Another councillor asked whether it would be advisable to remove the present fence and erect a frail substitute, with cattle being driven along the West belt f rontago, and Mr Ell admitted that would be one objection to the scheme.

The Mayor (Mr J. R. Reynolds) expressed full sympathy with the proposals, and remarked that, besides being a great improvement, it would clear away undesirable characters who frequented the.,hedges at present. Ho hoped that now something would be done to remedy the disgraceful state of portions of the Parks. Tho Riccarton road through .the Parks, was "no man's 10.ud," and one _of the worst in the whole of Christchureh. Tho paths, also, were under no control, and though the City Council had some time ago undertaken to do certain work on tho road and paths their state was as bad as. over, and the work had not been done.

The Council, later, decided to approve of Mr Ell's scheme, and to undertake to keep the grass cut in certain portions of the Park, as suggested by Mr Ell, provided the cost of the proposals, as outlined, be reasonable.