THE PLAY AREA

Evening Post, Volume CC, Issue 147, 19 December 1922, Page 6

THE PLAY AREA

SERIOUS OMISSIONS

WATER SUPPLY AND" CON-

.VENIENCES.

Strong comments are being made throughout the city and suburbs at the failure of the City Council to provide anything in the way of conveniences and water supply at the children's play area in Riddiford street. Throughout yesterday thousands of mothers and children visited the area, and had to do 1, without both, to the peril of their health and comfort. ■ ■ • When interviewed on the subject by a "Post" reporter to-day, Mr. J. W. Butler, Director of the Boys' Institute, stated that at any given time throughout yesterday up until aftei tea time there were between 1500 and 2000 ohildren present, and during the whole time they- were without a drop of water for drinking purposes or lavatory accommodation for boys, and for women and girk. They came' from all parts, and the comments of the mothers were loud in condemning the dilatoriness of the City Council in providing such all-im-portant necessaries. There was, said Mr. Butler, little real excuse fox the council's failure to aot, as it had been approached as far back as last July by a joint deputation from the Boys' Institute and Hospital Board and asked' to provide a shelter shed and conveniences. Mr. E. J. Brittaiii, the contractor for the apparatus in the play aTea, said he had erected similar sets in. Auckland, Wairarapa, ■-. Palmerston North, Onehiinga, a.nd other places, and Wellington was the only place where the Cify Council failed to show that its first thought was for the comfort and convenienoe and good health of the children. As it was now, the children, instead! of receiving benefit, were liable to injury. Mr. Butler added that it was, the duty of the City Council at least to proyide temporary conveniences until permanent arrangements could be made. It is anticipated that the play area, will be patronised to an even greater extent during the holidays. In, order to' exercise the necessary .control Mr. Butler asks such public-spirited citizens as are willing to give their servioes for any part of the time to communicate with him. : ' ■ , , .