CREEK-SIDE PARK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21051, 24 March 1943, Page 2

CREEK-SIDE PARK

OFFER TO BOROUGH MR. A. j. COX’S PROJECT AREA AT WAIKANAE An offer of four acres of land on the town side of the Waikanae Creek and on either side of the Grey street bridge has been made by Mr. A. J. Cox to the Gisborne Borough Council which, at last night’s'meeting, agreed to thank Mr. Cox for ‘his 'generosity and invite him 'to discuss the utilisation of the land with the council on the site, ; the council afterwards to discuss the matter of taking the area over. In a plan accompanying Mr. Cox’s letter, the areas Offered were shown to extend along the Waikanae Creek from Bright street to beyond Derby street. On the northern side of Grey street the area totalled 2 acres 2 roods, 28 perches, while the remainder comprised five sections alongside the creek between Grey and Bright streets, two facing Bright street and three facing Grey street, together with two sections facing Kahutia street. The total 'area of the land offered was set down as 4 acres, 1 rood, 16 perches. “If the council will accept this property on bqhalf of the town to be held in perpetuity for the purpose stated,” Mr. Cox stated in his letter, “I desire that the property shall be called the Alfreds Cox Park, that no building shall at any time hereafter be built thereon, except such buildings as may be necessary for the purpose of a park, that no portion of the land shall be used for a motor parking place or' motor camping ground, and that the land shall not be sold. Beautification of Town

“I shall be pleased to _ arrange a transfer with your council’s solicitors subject to such other conditions ap may be necessary for the perpetual fulfilment of these objects.. - I trust that your council will accept this gift towards the beautification of the town for the benefit of all its present and future inhabitants.” Mr. H. H. De Costa said that Mr. Cox had done a great deal for the town and had gone to much expense ir- purchasing the sections. “Had it not been for Mr. Cox, we would not. have hd'd the Marine drive, ai> l his great forethought has done much for - the town,” Mr. D’e Costa’ added.

“I think this is going to be the means of solving a problem of anunsightly part of the -town,” said Mr. B. Jvlorse, who' added that Mr. Cox had taken a -long-sighted view. The Mayor, Mr. N. H. Bull, said that Mr. Cox had been well known for his civic pride, and was .prepared tp sponsor any movement for the benefit of the town, as well as demonstrating his public spiritness in a practical manner. The area could be filled in and would solve the problem of the unsightly creek. .Gisborne would be .well advised to mqke the mast use of the magnificent present. After discussion, the council decided to send Mr. Cox a letter of thanks for liis most generous offer and to ask him to meet the council on the sitb to discuss the proposal.