THE QUEEN'S PARK.

Hastings Standard, Issue 367, 8 July 1897, Page 3

THE QUEEN'S PARK.

[To the Editor.] Sir, —Now that the public of Hastings are commencing to compare notes and make comparisons as to the merits of the various localities suggested as suitable places for a public recreation ground, I would like to supplement your remarks which appeared in Monday's issue concerning the advantages which can be justly claimed for the Queen's Park by anyone acquainted with its surroundings. In the first place the Queen's Park is central with Clive, Tomoana, Havelock, Pukehu and within easy distance of any part of Hastings. It is approached by at least a dozen roads a chain wide. The extensive plantation consists of beautifully grown trees at least 20 years' old, the area of which is about 15 acres. Hundreds of picnic parties could enjoy themselves beneath the cool and grateful shade of this plantation without in any way encroaching on one another. The creek winds gracefully through this property ; weeping willow and shade trees fringe the sloping banks to the water's edge; to the right of the plantation is a level park of from 10 to 15 acres (partly surrounded by trees) which would with a small outlay make make an ideal cricket and football ground, a cycling track, and in fact anything required for a first-class athletic ground. The creek extends about half a mile, and the" cost of clearing the tussocks and dead limbs out of it would be very little. By building a dam at both ends and sinking an artesian well at the top of the creek a splendid clear stretch of water could be conserved, which would be at least 4ft Sin to sft deep, quite ample for swimming matches and aquatic performances. The width of the creek varies from three-quarters of a chain to a chain, so that there is nothing wanted to make the Queen's Park an ideal recreation ground. By judiciously thinning the timber a substantial sum could be realised, while several sections could be quitted at a good price that are included in the Park grounds, which at the same time would not interfere with the space for recreation but would help to pay for improving and beautyfying the property. Visitors and young folk-from the city could not but enjoy a day spent under the sweet scented pines, together with the beautiful singing birds with which the park ab>unds. I will not weary your readers by drawing comparisons with the other places that are under offer, because to see is to believe, and any impartial judge must decide in favor of the Queen's Park. The other proposed recreation grounds are simply offered as a matter of business ; if I discussed their merits I might be deemed ill-natured. —I am, &c., Fresh Air.