A FORGOTTEN DOMAIN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22662, 17 March 1939, Page 8

A FORGOTTEN DOMAIN

HILLMORTEN AREA TRANSFORMED ACTION BY RESIDENTS “After hearing the representations of sporting organisations to the National Council of Physical Welfare and Recreation, this evidence of local residents to provide means for developing fitness is most healthy,” remarked the Hon. W. K Parry (Minister for Internal Affairs), yesterday afternoon when he inspected a recreation ground at Hillsborough. For many years, an area at the foot of the hills near the end of the Opawa road was leased for farming by the constituted domains board. The ownership and nature of the reserve were not known to many residents. Inquiries were made into the leasing of the area, on which only trees had been planted as an improvement, and following the energetic efforts of Mr R. A. Jarden, the residents were stimulated to action. They took over the reserve and they have converted it into a remarkably fine playing area. A Hillsborough. Recreation Association was formed, and it took over the control of the ground. The services of jnen employed on the No. 13 scheme were engaged, and in the last 18 months the land formerly used for grazing has been converted into a splendid playground. Two tennis courts have been laid down and a pavilion has been built. Provision is also made in the grounds for two football fields and one hockey field in the winter, and for three cricket pitches in the summer. The land has been drained and careful levelling was done. Men and women in the district, Mr Parry was informed, had formed themselves into working bees to improve the grounds. A garden frontage has been made, and its appearance yesterday suggested that in the next summer a colourful display will be made. The domain is row being used as the recreation ground for the Hillsborough district. Mr Parry was full of praise for the activities r>f the residents, whose work was described by Mr T. H. McCombs, M.P. It contrasted vividly, the Minister said, with the attitude of certain bodies who expected the National Council to provide grounds, finance and facilities. The Hillsborough effort, he considered, was an illustration to many communities in the Dominion of what could be done by appreciation of the needs of the district for a recreation ground and the enthusiasm required to carry any idea to a practical conclusion.