THE BASIN AND ITS FUTURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 83, 7 April 1936, Page 10

THE BASIN AND ITS FUTURE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,~My recent letter suggesting that Kent and Cambridge Terraces be given one name seems to have created some interest. One correspondent suggested Centenary Avenue. It is quite possible that developments between now and Centenary Year may lead to a new street being given that name. Personally I think the term "boulevard" —not quite so French as the name suggests—would be much more distinctive. By the way is there any thoroughfare in the Dominion termed a "boulevard"?'

Whilst I suggested that the Basin could not indefinitely be used for its present purpose, I am sorry if I gave the impression that trams should go through it. To cut tramtracks through such a fine reserve as the Basin would be an act of the grossest vandalism. The suggestion I know, as certain correspondents point out, has been made before —we can be very thankful that such a suggestion has never beei carried out.. It will, of course, be necessary to modify the sharp tramway curves around the Basin, but it should be possible to do so with very little reduction of its present area. It might indeed be 'advisable for the City Council to acquire properties both at the Adelaide Road and Kent and Cambridge Temrace approaches to the Basin. '

When making suggestions for improvements in a city, especially a rapidly-growing city, it, is naturally necessary to look well ahead and plan for the future. And as such improvements are more. in the interests of posterity, than the present generation, such improvements should be paid for out of long-time loans. AL. such improvements should naturally combine maximum beauty, with maximum utility. Nothing creates so much pride in a prosperous city, true civic spirit, as a city so beautiful that it is worth boasting about. I have seen a number of cities in different parts of the world and Wellington, with proper vision and planning, has possibilities second to none. '

The way I visualise the Basin of the future is a beautiful green oasis at the junction of two wide, stately thoroughfares stretching from Courtenay Place to John Street and, perhaps, further. It will be surrounded by tall native trees necessary not only in the interests of beauty, but as a breakwind. It will have ornamental entrances with a Maori motif. An'artistically designed band rotunda —perhaps in the centre of a small artificial lake —will'be- regularly used for band performances. What more appropriate place could there be for such performances so near the city's centre? Seats will be provided for which a minimum charge will be made to enable the public to listen in comfort to the music. There should be space, too, in the Basin for at least two fountains. Why aren't there any fountains in Wellington parks? There are few-greater aids to real beauty than appropriatelyplaced and artistically-designed fountains. . .- ■ ' . .

As the approaches to the new museum and the carillon are sure to be improved any comprehensive scheme could include the Basin. A short, broad avenue cut through Sus-v sex Street from the Basin Reserve to about the centre of the Museum grounds would materially beautify the whole layout.. '■'.-, .■■•'■'.■'.

Probably most objections to alterations to the Basin Reserve will come from sportsipen. I too have always been fond of sport, though age, plus a physical disability, of recent years has prevented me taking any active part in it. But as a sportsman—a true one I hope—l recognise, as all sportsmen should, that however great the interests of sports, there are interests infinitely greater still. After all, the Basin is the people's reserve, not an untouchable, unchangeable preserve of any sporting body or bodies. Clubs in much smaller towns than Wellington in much more densely populated lands than New Zealand manage^ to obtain grounds of their own—there is absolutely no reason why Wellington clubs should be indefinitely drynursed by our City Council.—l am, etc.,

JAY ESS.