The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY JUNE 1, 1935. A TIMELY SUGGESTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1935, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY JUNE 1, 1935. A TIMELY SUGGESTION.

A vKitv timely suggestion has been made by a rate-payer to the Borough Council to give special attention to Class Square to make it more useful ■and attractive. It is a splendid asset to the town, and much use has been made of it, but it has been rather haphazard attention, and more system in its control would afford hotter results to users. Its use is very general and at times it is not equal to the requirements, suggesting that one

of the other mi edit be taken in hand to assist in meeting the domand lor a. greater recreation area. Hegading Cass Square, the time is well overdue for the restoration of the cycling track, w,hiie the field stands in need of much special attention in levelling; V 1 pnprove drainage, andthe more Irequent cutting of the grass to ensure a hotter sward. Now that the area iV not equal to the demands for space on special occasions, a second piny mg area is worthy of consideration. A reserve at the eastern entrance, known as the botanical ground might well be taken in hand on systematic lines, and converted from its present unsightly appearance to a creditable field. With the congestion of winter games, there is little room for other than football on Cass Square. Space is required lor hockey and basket ball, if botn healthy exercises are to he adequately petronised by votaries. A municipal tennis area is also not too much ■iu expect. A good turf cricket pi ten might also be laid down, and the ancient game be more cultivated than it is possible to-day with restricteu conditions. Certainly there is room for a. large scheme to give the town an added area for recreation purpose*, and with the prospects in sight, and the growth of. population, it is not too soon to move in this desirable civio activity. As regards funds, a co-or-dination of all sporting clubs aiming at. the creation of an annual fund to supplement any money provided by the Council, would be a proper step to take. The growiiuv section of the community which would be the chief users of the grounds, might well he expected to do their best to assist in such a worthy, and as appears evident, a necessary enterprise. The pioneer surveyors who had the foresight to see the necessity for ample reserves for the future generations within the town boundaries, were far seeing, for their consideration has snplied areas which can now lie brought into utility. And the improved areas will draw more people to the town. Increased convenience for matches, will mean greater competition. With the facilities for travel nowadays, it takes very little to induce a train load of people to travel a considerable distance for a. pleasurable afternoon. Hokitika ihas the assets to be in the van in catering for such town patronage and favours, and there should he no difficulty in accomplishing much if there were well coordinated action. Under the Municipal Corporations Act,, Council committees may be augmented by outside additions, and this affords facilities io bring in .'leaders of the sporting bodies to help in the direction of a progressive system which will add materially to the attractions of the town, at the same time affording our own young people facilities they now lack to enjoy to the fullest extent games and pastimes which in other centres are not denied the rising population.