MEMORIAL PARK.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19974, 8 July 1930, Page 13

MEMORIAL PARK.

LATE CR. F. R. COOKE. SUGGESTION TO CITY COUNCIL. A suggestion to name the area, known as Smart's Pond, the, "Cooko Memorial Park," in honour of the late Cr. P. R. Cooke, was pat forward at last night's meeting of the Christchurch City Council. - The Reserves Committee reported that 8 letter had been received from the Amalgamated Society of Carpentera and Joiners, suggesting that' as a memorial to the late Cr. Cooke the area in Sydenham, known as Smart's Pond, be officially named after the birth-town of the late Cr. Cooke, namely Bradford Park. It was at Cr.'Cotfke's suggestion that the method .adopted of laying out the reserve was put -into effect, arid it was recommended that the suggestion be adoptedCr. I). G. Sullivan, M.P., said that he would like to see Cr. Cooke's name allied with Smart's Pond. Cr. Cooke would "appreciate the honour of the,. Park being named after his birth-place, 'but ,he asked, why not call the area Hie 'Cdoke Memorial Park." i Cr. H.' T. J. Thacker Suggested-the P.CoQka J&Berv9.-i^i Cr. be better* , The Mzyox (Mr J. J£. Archer): This & a itow suggestion and it would be Better notto disenss it inr open Council. The clause'" was referred back to the committee,,by consent. CITY COUNCII/S TRIBUTE.

"I feel quit© sure that before -w« : proceed with the ordinary business you would like to join with me in expressing regret at the death of Cr. P. R. Cooke, and sympathy with his widow and 1 lour i sons," said the Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) at last night's meeting of the Christchurch, City Council. ■ "We All feel regret that after such a short time hili life should have Been brought to- an end. There is ah''intention .spaie of his Labour* friends of Kusing memorial to his memory. ■ *"1 isk you to adopt,, with me, this , resolution: • '"That this Council, extends to MrsGooke and her family its sincere sym-. pa thy in their bereavement and desires, to place on record its appreciation of the very valuable services, rendered fa), ..toe Council and' citizens l>y Cotincillor Cooke.', , Cr. M. E. Lyons seconded the motion. Fe said ho sharply disagreed' with Cr. Cooke on many matters, but this did not present'him' from ha,ving the wannest regard for him. He regretted th» passing o| one who; had given 50... much ; valnable-..service for the City;' Cr. Oodke was unswerving in what he believed to .be right and made great pe*sonal sacrifices for his principles. He had found Cr. Cooke to be absolutely straight, •• •: * Cr'. ID- d Sullivan, M.P., alsoadded a tribute to' Cr. Cooke's memory. "It -is- -a • pitv ■ that' he ■ was ' not given a little encouragement when he was with us," said Cr. Sullivan. ■Per--hapa it. was- .true that Cr. Cooke .was not a plaster saint; he was a bard fighter, and the dragon he sought to Blay was man's inhumanity to man-. • His memory would be kept green among the .workers, of. this country,for he was honoured and respected as few others.

Unfailing Sincerity. Cr. A. I. Fraer <said Cr. Cook®, in a "friendly way, had helped her to understand the business procedure or So Council.' His unfailing, courtesy aaid sincerity had always impressed lier and her a higher opinion.or Wcr.° E. H. Andrews said that Cr. Cpoke's death came as a shock. CrCpoke had served many years opi the Council.' He had been a hard fighter, ..but always fought cleanly. His wo:rd WM Jus bond and nothing could induce him to break a promise. His sincerity, of purpose' commanded "the respect of all with whom he came into contact. Cr: H'. T. J. Thacker said that when-he (Cr. Thacker) was. Mayor, ho loQ&ed on Cr Cooke as the truest Councillor round the table. ■ The resolution was carried. A. letter was received from, tne Heathcote County Council conveying deepest sympathy in the loss the City Council had sustained by the death or Cr. Cobke. -And stating that the County Council came in contact with him a great deal, in connexion with tne Works Committee and always _ founa him straight and sincere in his convictions. The letter also stated that his death would be a great loss to City. It was decided to thank the County Council for its letter. . . Cr. Cooke was first elected a me PV?? r of the City Council on July 14th, 1920. and served continuously until his death. , A letter was received from the secretary to the Christchurch Domains Board stating that, following upon tne death of Cr. F R. Cooke, there was a vacanc the Board to be filled oy the (V J. . , Cr. ■, '7. Andrews nominated Mr, W. H. iv nisor to fill the vacancy. Cr. H. Williamson .seconded the ■motion, -which was carried. -Cr. t». »;

Jones was appointed the Council's representative on the Canterbury Progress League in place of Cr. Cooke. TRAMWAY. BOARD'S SYMPATHY. :Reference to the death of-Cr. F. 11. Cooke was< made bv the chairman (Mr W. Hayward) at yesterday's meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Board. "Cr. Cooke.,'' Mr , Hayward said, "held views that some of us could not subscribe to, but the single-hearted purpose,'' courage, and even the extreme manliness with .which he pursued these' objects he considered right were outstanding." He moved that the Board express its sympathy with the .members of his family and the Labour Party, wiui' which he was so intiiinately connected. The motion was affirmed. : A motion of sympathy in respect to the death of Cr. F. R. Cooke was passed at last night's annual meeting Of the Spreydon Public Library. Mr Cooke was president of that body at tlie time of his death. . .A. motion- of condolence • with the relatives of the late Cr. F. R. Cooke . was. passed at last night's meeting of the Lyttelton Borough Council.