NELSON NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 114, 18 May 1925, Page 11

NELSON NEWS

A CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND

(FEOJI OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

NELSON, 16th May. Gaily decorated with flags and flowering toitois the ; new playground for children in Halifax street on the banks of the Maitai River was opened in the presence of a large assemblage this afternoon. Children from all parts of the city were there in hundreds, and adults attended in large numbers. Among the representative citizens present were the Mayor and several city councillors, the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.C., Messrs. G. P. Russell and F. V. Knapp. Excellent music was provided during the afternoon by the Regimental i^and At about 3 oVJpck, the .Mayor (Mr. W. Lock) expressed pleasure at the large attendance, as indicating a keen interest m ■ the welfare of the children on the part of citizens. He stated that the conversion of the land, formerly a stable site, into a children's playground, had been suggested by Councillor Plum, and adopted by the council, sines when Mr. G. P. Kussell,, a member of the last council, together with others associated with the annual children's gala day committee, had actively interested themselves in the matter of providing equipment for the ground, handing over the sum of £95 to the council for this purpose, the amount bemg subsidised by the council to tho extent of £105. Mr.' Russell had recently visited Wellington and other places, and had inspected and noted the cost of equipments, with tho result that Mr. Brittain, of Auckland, had.been engaged to supply and • erect the schutes, merry-go-round, ocean wave, etc., that to-day wore providing so much enjoyment to tho children. The preparation of the ground was the work of an energetic working bee of citizens, to whom thanks were due, and also to the committee of ladies who had provided after noon teas for tho working bees, and who were continuing their good work by supplying the refreshments that day. He was glad to have the opportunity of expressing thanks to all who had so strenuously worked. Special thanks were due to Mr. R. B. Jackson for pro-, viding swings for the ground, and to Mr. Russell for all he had done. (Applause.) Mr. Hussoll said thanks were due to all those who had so generously helped m so many ways to provide the fine equipment they now had. This was but the first instalment. He urged that other parts of the city should bo provided with similar equipment, and he would not rest satisfied until this had been dorio., Money ■in other towns he named had been raised by public subscription, and he hoped that amounts so raised here would be subsidised by the council as in the present case. •

The Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, as an exMayor, congratulated his Worship that such^ an advance as providing a children's playground had been made during his term of office, and expressed a hope that much more would be done in this direction. He regretted that Mr. R. B. Jackson, who had donated £25 for the erection of swings, was unable to be present owing to illness. Mr. Jackson had provided several swings in various parts of the city, and his liberality was greatly appreciated by all citizens. Mr. Jackson could be credited with having really initiated the movement to provide such pleasures for the children of the city. Mr. Snodgrass concluded by congratulating Mr. Russell and others associated with him on the success of their efforts.

The Mayor supplemented his previous remarks by expressing the hope that while the ground and equipment were free to all children at all times, the equipment would not be used on Sundays, especially as it was located near a church and Sunday school. He then formally declared the grounds open, amidst applause.

A most enjoyable afternoon was spent 6y all. Long queues of children lined up at the schutes, and in an orderly manner took their turns for a slide, while tho merry-go-round and swings accommodated others. . .

Afternoon tea provided by a number of ladies was supplied on the Baptist Church tennis court adjoining the grounds. The takings for this, donations at the entrance gate, and sales at stalls all go towards providing additional equipment. There is every reason to believethat the success of this effort will result in providing similar outfits in various parts of tlio city.