USE OF RESERVES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 89, 12 October 1937, Page 10

USE OF RESERVES

IN DAILY LIFE

A review of the part played by the reserves in the life of the average citizen was given by the Director of Parks and Reserves (Mr. J. G. MacKenzie) at a farewell tendered to Mr. P. Wilton, who is retiring after being in the council's service for twenty-six y6 Mr.' MacKenzie said that in the play areas the child found his first interest in the sandpit whejt brought there in the toddling stage by his mother or i nurse. As time went on the swings, see-saws, and merry-go-rounds claimed his attention. During school days the recreation grounds and parks were used to full advantage, with contests against other schools every Friday, and all kinds of sports during the season week in and week out. The une of public baths during the warm weather gave the children the first start in swimming and life-saving. When school days were over tennis, golf, football, and cricket were the magnets that' drew young people to the council's -areas in ever-increasing numbers. On Sundays the Botanical Gardens, Town Belt, Central Park, Otari plant museum, and other beauty spots attracted many citizens, particularly in their courting days. When homes were formed many young married people came to the council's reserves to obtain hints as to how to form their own gardens. Later on the croquet lawns attracted the mothers aid their friends. Finally, the "Rest and be Thankfu'" seats, in sun and shade, provided a resting place for the old. Thus the reserves department played no small place in the life of the citizen from the cradle to the grave.