NOT YET A RESERVE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 83, 7 April 1936, Page 13

NOT YET A RESERVE

PLAYGROUND AT THE RIGI

The recommendation of the reserves committee that the tramway property at the corner of Glenmore Street and the Rigi be transferred to the reserves department on terms and conditions to be arranged, and that the application to form private tennis courts on the area be not approved, gave rise to differences of opinion at the City Council table last night.' The Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) said he had watched the vicinity and had spoken to residents, who said that a grave danger would be created, as a main road and a diversion flanked the spot. He considered that the element of danger undoubtedly existed. If the spot. could be made available for a principal tennis courts, used by 70 people a week, a good purpose would be served. To transfer tramway land to the reserves committee was wrong.

Councillor J. Burns said that for the Mayor to say that this piece of ground was, not used by children was absurd. The reserves department had spent money on it and wished to beautify it. It would be better under the control of the reserves committee. The financial adjustments of the transfer from the tramways could easily be made.

Councillor W; Appleton agreed with the Mayor that the spot was dangerous for children. It would be inadvisable to install any play appliances.

Councillor L. McKenzie was of the opinion that the ground had virtually passed into the hands of the reserves committee many years ago. Children had played there for years. The tennis players had somebody to champion them. The children had not, and if play areas .were taken away they must go on the roads. ■

Councillor M. F. Luckie said that less had been done for the tennis players of Wellington than for any other sport, though the tennis players numbered more than the players in other sports in the city.

Tennis, said Councillor P. M. Butler; was a seasonal game, the players in which played other games in the winter. It must be remembered that the 55 tennis players concerned were domiciled in all parts of the city, yet they wanted this piece of ground.

During a considerable period he had not seen a single child playing on this area, said Councillor T. Brindle. There were other playing areas not far away. Municipal tennis courts, which would be open to all, and not merely to members of a club, would be beneficial, but he thought the position regarding this piece of ground should be further investigated.

The clause was referred back to the committee. '