BEATSON'S PARK.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 168, 1 July 1912, Page 5

BEATSON'S PARK.

10 THE EDITOR. Sir, —Each comniuuity seems to produce its "Old Alan of the Sea," ‘‘Mentally Defective,” or its "Social Pest.” The peculiarity of each of these individuals is tolerated, and sympathy and greater latitude allowed, even although sometimes a nuisance. When a person deliberately assumes this role, and takes advantage of this kindly consideration, j.o publicly misrepresent and damage, a check is necessary. When Air. Fowler condemned the purchase of Beatson’s Park he resorted to abuse and misrepresentation. The fact remains, however, that the purchase of is considerably under market price, and if Air. Beatson has made profit he might have made considerably more by public sale. This, however, is beside the question. Air. howler inquires from me about this enormous profit, also what Air. J. N. Williams benefited by his gift, and why hthc council conducts its business in ’committee. 1 would suggest that he drop a post-card to each and get a reply first hand. I do not manage their affairs. With regard to niy own, which seems to exercise Air. Fowler’s mind not a little, I can inform him that the nearest property 1 own to the park (a quarter ot a mile away) cost exactly four times per acre what the council paid for the park, and without terms. Take the rise in land values to be 5 per cent, per annum, in 60 years’ time my property will be worth what I paid for it, if the park purchase was at a correct market price. I had no wish to enter this discussion, especially with a person with such a penchant for public print and muckslinging, but could not allow such rabid statements to go unchallenged. If Mr. Fowler wishes to discuss the purchase of the park, I am prepared, but I must decline to reply to splenetic conjectures. If Air. Fowler would take, say, a couple of antibilious pills and a constitutional as far as the "Never, Never,” lean against one of those gigantic pines, thrust his hands into his trousers pockets, and, whilst gazing upon this valuable asset ,ruminate upon the Royal proverb, “Honi-soit-qui-mal-y-pense,” he would be benefited physically and mentally, and might become a blessing instead of being merely a corner ornament. —I am, etc.,

J. A. FORBES Hastings, July Ist, 1912.