CITY RESERVES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18303, 10 February 1925, Page 4

CITY RESERVES.

WORK IN HAND. Further details of the work proceeding for tlie improvement of city reserves -were plaoed before the City Council by the Heserves Committee last right. Tho report stated:— Bottle Lake Plantations—The principal firo breaks in tho young plantations havo been completed, while tho grubbing of. gorse is also well in hand. Tho superintendent reports that he is satisfied that the red gum of Victoria is goinsr to succeed in tho swampy land and tho committee has approved of hie. suggestion to prepare to plant at least 20,000 early this autumn. Victoria Park—A fire-break has been ploughed round tho 50 aero block in which, is planted tho young hardwood trees which are progressing satisfactorily. Bromley Cemetery.—The fences havo been cut and generally improved. Tho committee recommends that 180 pina trees be cut down. They aro now fully matured and will only deteriorate in valuo if left standing any longer. Tho money to bo' received for the timber would pay for the levelling of the northern portion of tho cemetery. Page's road Reserve—There aro 234 tree# round this reserve which should be cut down and sold, the monoy so obtained to be spent on fencing and clearing tho area for planting. It is estimated that approximately 3CO oords of wood would be obtained at a cost pf about £IBO. "Woolston Park—All borders are in good order and the general work of maintenance is well in hand. Elmwood Park—All. general work is well forward and it is hoped to have tho fencing completed shortly and the area eet aside if or a children's playground put in order. An application has been received from tho Elmwood Lawn Tennis Club to bo provided with an area to lay down courts. The co mitteo has me and recommends that the-ground in' tho north-west corner be levelled. It is thought that there will be room for three courts and possibly a. fourth. Beckenham Park—All, general maintenance work is well forward and a start has been mado to form a new walk leading to the school which 'work it is hoped to complete next week. The Beckenham Lawn Tennis Club has applied for additional land, sufficient to lay down two more courts, and the committee "has granted tboir application, on tho understanding that tho now courts do not encroach on the entrance to tho park. Spreydon Park—The cutting of grass has been the principal work sinco laat report, and it is hoped to do a little fop dressing shortly. All genera} work is well in hand. St. James Park—This area has been ploughed, and it is intended to have the land well cultivated before tho levelling is comrbenced. Tho Railway Department has signified its willingness to grant an entrance to the park alongside the railway lino and tho Department has been asked to prepare the necessary deed. St. Albans Park—Owing to the heavy growth of grass, the caretaker has been kept verv busy with tho mower. The park is looking well and tho usual maintenance has been carried out. Linwood Park and Nursery—The general upkeep of this park has had special attention during the past month. Tho lake has been improved and the water turned on, whilo a start has been mado to improve and top-dress where the Drainage Board recently laid their mains. Tho nursery stock has been kept cultivated and is in good order. The 'lttrdwoods Mp.inge particularly are looking well. Other Roserves —Grass cutting and borders havo received attention in the other rescrWss. Seats for Parks—Seats aro required for the various parks as under, and the committee desires instructions in tho matter:— Linwood 21, Elmwood 12, Opawa 6, Woolston 12, Beckenham 6. Cr. E. H. Andrews said it was hoped that donations would he received to purchxso seats.