THE TOWN BELT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 56, 29 November 1919, Page 7

THE TOWN BELT

| ERECTION OF STATE SCHOOLS PROPOSAL REJECTED BY CITY COUNCIL _ Tho need for more recreation grounds for school children was stressed by Councillor M. I'. Luckio at Thursday's meeting of the City Council, when ho moved: "That the cuuneil enter into negotiations with tho Education Department with a view to otlenug to lease or exchange ".villi tho Department such portions of the Town Belt ns may be suitable for the purpose, for tho erection tlioreon of State Schools to take the places of those at present situated :u 'Willis Street, Tory Street, liiddiford -.Street, and other congested areas in the "city.-"

Councillor Luckie said that no better uso could ■be made of tho Town Belt than to uso it for playgrounds for children. Ho know that in reply to that argument it would be said that the Town Belt could not be used as a playground for adults, but ho contended that that reason could not bo advanced against the proposal ho was bringing forward. In the .interests of tho health of tho ohiidreii it was absolutely necessary that they should have the best playing areas it was possible to provide. By erecting schools on the Town Belt the present congestion at many of the city schools would be relieved. It was their boundon duty to provide tho best possible accommodation for the children, especially for these who were living in poor surroundings.

Councillor T. Jorsyth seconded the resolution. Tho Town Belt was intended for tho use of the citizens, but surely it would bo conceded that the term "citizen" included the citizens-to-be. The council might very well enter into negotiations for the exchange of school sites in tho city, with a view of the schools being removed to the Town Belt. At nresent no use was being iiade of tho Belt except for the grazing of horses alxl cattle. The erection of schools on tho Town Belt was just as desirable as tho establishment of bowling greens and croquet lawns.

• The Mavor (Mr. J. P. Luke) said that the growth of the city had resulted in the present school sites being rendered inadequate for their purpose. Ho hoped that tho responsibility for the education of tho children would ' never be thrown on the loe'al authorities. Such a proposal had ]>een voiced, but if it were carried out ttien all he could jay was "God help some of tho children." He supported ■ tho national system and considered that - it produced the best rofiultk It was his opinion that the Education Department could acquire suitable sites adjacent to the Town B<*U for the erection of schools. The Belt, would thus make an admirable nlayproiind. The time was not far off when the city would have a population of 250,000, and when that time arrived the Town Belt would not be too great a lung for the eitv He held very stronp: feelihgs about the Town Belt, and considered that the council would bo committing a breach of trust if it permitted the Belt to be alienated for the use of the Education benarfment. The children would have all the playgrounds they desired if schools were built close to the ( Town Belt. He opposed the motion.

Councillor G. T?rost also, opposed tho motion on grounds similar to tWo mentioned by the Mayor. He would never agree to any portions of the Town.Belt being surrendered to the Education Department. Councillor J. Hutchinson said lie thought it would bo bad policy to allow any buildings to be erected on the Town Belt, which should be beautified and preserved for the use of tho people. Councillor L. M'Kenzie objected to any associations having tho exclusivo usp of city reserves. That was tho position at the present time. Children not allowed to play on portions of the Basin Reserve becnuso they might spoil the cricket pitches I It was the duty of tho Government, through tho education boards, to provide sufficient grounds for school sites. Tho boards should be provided with more money with which to acquire proper school grounds. He ha'd no objection to children using- the Town Belt, but he objected strongly to any body outside the City Council having any control whatsoever over any portion of the Belt.

Councillor A. E. Atkinson said lie had trusted that the proposal would not have been treated seriously. Howovcr, ns there had "been discussion on the subject ho wanted to "give his kick to tho most monstrous proposal that had ovpr been made." They could not be too striot in resenting any intrusion on tho Town Belt. A good deal had been dono already with tho Town Belt, but they could do a groat deal more. - Councillor W. H. Bennett -remarked that the proper thing to do was to erect schools alongside the Town Belt. That was tho line along which they should move. Councillor I?. A. TVright said that if tho council saved the general' Government any expense on such a matter ns that proposed they would find the Government trying to obtain all sorts of privileges with regard to the Town Belt. He opposed the motion. The resolution was lost by 12 votes to 2. Councillors Luckle and Forsyth being the only councillors to extend thoir support to it. ,