THE ZOO

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 83, 6 October 1919, Page 8

THE ZOO

A PROPOSAL FROM ONSLOW. At the monthly meeting of the Onslow Progressive Association held last week, Major Smith attended and laid before the executive of the association a novel proposition, which was that Khandallah domain and catchment area be combined, forming an area, of 183 acres, and that it be renamed Onslow Park j also that it be devoted to the purposes of a park and a new site for zoological gardens. Major Smith pointed out the unsuitability of the present site,of the Zoo at Ne\ytown Park ' owing to : the congested state of the surroundings, which .would become more acute as the population increased'; the inadequate supply of water (almost entirely artificial); the cramped and unnatural surroundings, which did not lend to expansion or to the exhibition' of the animals in an appropriate or natural manner. On behalf of Onslow Park,,it was claimed that it was not only the best site around Wellington, but one of the most suitable in New Zealand. The natural water supply on the site, if not adequate for the wants of Onslow, was more than neeessaa-y for the utmost requirements of any1 zoo, and lakes, ponds, streams, and cascades could be formed in a.natural manner and at a minimum cost. These would be ideal homes for all varieties, of water-fowl, besides forming a perfect fresh water acquarium. These advantages for park and zoo were increased a hundredfold by being' situated in Wellington City. Major Smith referred'to the amazing success of the Zoo, in spite of, much initial mismanagement and apathy, which argued well for its tutnre growth and success if given scope and a suitable position. It was the only public zoo in New Zealand, was deserving of all help and support, and waa destined one day to take rank as a Dominion institution. Now was the time to move ;it to a suitable place, and in his opinion it was not economical or wise to' incur, further expense in the construction of permanent works at Newtown Park, ,tho unsuitebility of which ! woidd daily becomo more apparent. At the conclusion of. his ' address, Major Smith asked the association to take the matter up and urgo upon the City Council the desirability of seriously considering his scheme. Among the , questions asked Major Smith was ono referring to access, to which ho replied that Onslow Park and Ncwtown Park were almost equidistant from the G.P.O. ; that when trains came to KhandaJlah the trip there, though longer, would contrast favourably - with that to Newtown, which, to say, the least, was not picturesque. The' members of the executive thanked ■Major Smith for laying the matter before them. "They thought it a novel and interesting proposition or scheme, and it would rcceivo their best consideration.