PROGRESS OF WADESTOWN.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1212, 22 August 1911, Page 6

PROGRESS OF WADESTOWN.

Sir,—lt is gratifying to note tho interest the general public now tako in things pertaining to Wadestown, our ,beautiful suburb, which the average Wellingtonian, I take it, had not seen and therefore did not appreciate until lately, for the simple reason that shanks's pony was the only means to rcacli it. JJqw all that is altered, and it behoves us,, with the assistance of the City Council to keep up the interest that has certainly shown itself, as instanced each weekend since tiic opening of our new tramway by the crowded quarter hour tramoars. The Wadcstownites have a magnificent asset' in beautiful Wilton's Bush, and this should be made as attractive as possible. I did hear that upon a portion of its site could bo mado capital Zoological gardens, but as the city already has these, as a matter of suggestion why not create a playing-ground, and a- maze from a live hedge (ordinarily called "a puzzling garden") there? One or both might l>e made remunerative; anyhow Wadestown needs a recreation ground. It requires no inflated notion on our part' to foresee an extended tram service round that' direction, or even across our gorge towards Johnsonville. But wo have lo do with the present and each onward step takes us nearer our object. That object is to have an up-to-date tram service and to reside in, the most beautiful suburb of the city. Therefore t,he present opportunity shonld be seized (wnile things are propitious) of petitioning and working for a better means of negotiating the present up-hill and ■ down-dale distance between Wadestown and Ngaio. During the winter people • visiting us. from Ngaio have' to come a distauco of

about eight' miles there and back by railroad and tramway at a cost of time and money; whereas a convenient bridge across the stream would only mean from 5 to 10 minutes' walk.

let a joint committee of Wadestownites and Ngaioit'es get together and settle the matter right off and (jet busy in (he interest of rates and a quick car'service. It was suggested by one of tho speakers at tho opening of our tramway to plant, the slopes of the trjmway cuttings with something that would adorn them. In response I ask how would the said slopes look covered with French marigolds which bloom comparatively, all the year round? Tho French marigold is a great climber or traveller, although in such a locality it need not become a pest as otherwise will bo the caw eventually byfoinc noxious weed, such as gorso or broom.

Another matter which bears upon the same subject is that. I respectfully suggest that tho spring at the foot of WadeL town "Road which seems to be a fine one now going to waste and causing slip upon slip and altogether unsightly, might be used for cur horses to drink at and opened as a drinking fountain for all The spring's source has a good high level for the purpose, and would in no way affect tho wonderful spring in Grant Road which is not far distant, situated upon n. lower level. Thanking you in anticipation,—Jl am, «tc.,

HENRY ASHWORTII.