KAWHIA DOMAIN

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XX, Issue 1071, 22 July 1921, Page 3

KAWHIA DOMAIN

To the Editor

Sir, —I gather from Mr Jack’s letter, that the difference of opinion between the Domain Board and himself is clear cut. Mr Jack’s contentien is, that the Board, to use his own words, “ should improve the domain in every possible way, provide maximum playing area, with utmost ornamental shrubbery, and make it a recreation ground in the true sense of the word ; that it is the duty of the Board to provide funds, etc.” This means, if it means anything, that the Board should set to work to form and lay out football grounds, tennis courts, cricket pitches, bowling greens, running tracks, hockey and basket-ball ground, plantations, etc., and incidentally, of course, to complete the job, stands, seats, ■terraces, band rotunda, drinking fountain, public conveniences et hoc. Mr Jack further says, “The Board was brought into existence to do so, that without doubt it is the duty of the Board ” and so on. The latter statement is pure assumption. If it vyere true,, how is it the Government overlooked the question of finance ? Mr Jack must know that the Board has no funds, or very little, and, as at present constituted, has no way of raising any considerable sUjn, and even if it could be arranged through the Town Board or otherwise it would be unwise to attempt to borrow at the present juncture. His contention falls to the ground through its impracticability. The majority of the Board contend it is only now that it can advantageously lay out the domain for sport, that is, since the outlet drain was deepened and the swamp solidified; it contends that a better way in contradistinction to that sketched by Mr Jack, and one that would not burden the ratepayer or the public, is lay out the ground under expert advice, and encourage the various sports bodies to take up areas allotted to them and form and keep up their own playing areas according to their various requirements, subject of course to supervision, the Engineer’s plans and reasonable restrictions to protect the rights of the public. This programme is now in operation, and I understand has met with the approval of the Football and Tennis Clubs, also individual members of the Carnival Committee in the matter of the running track, and, no doubt, other committees to be formed will fall into line when they know that the Board is prepared to undertake to act as Trustee to protect their expenditure, when possible help them with any available funds, and at all times meet them with consideration and sympathy.— Yours, etc., A> E. Langley, Member Domain Board.