THE GARDEN OF AVON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12996, 11 December 1902, Page 4

THE GARDEN OF AVON.

The proposal to' erect a- weir upon the Avon above the Hospital Bridge for the purpose of facilitating- boating operations upon the beautiful .stretch of river flowing through the Park and Gardens is one-which has as many apparent virtues to recommend it as are. claimed for a patent medij cine. -But, as in most cases of Tweedledum, there is a Tweedledee to this scheme also. Without taking into consideration the expressions of opinion of those individuals who' have a direct business interest in that end of the river, opinions which are somewhat dubious by the way, there are not wanting boating enthusiasts who are anything but satisfied that a foot or two more of water would compensate for the possible disturbance of charms which arc irresistible to those who know the river. This particular reach of the Avon is quite feminine in its charm of wilfulness ; it has all the variety of married life. The. current slips from side to side, over deeps and shallows, with pertinacious unexpectedness, and half "the fun of the fair" for those that go up to the Mill in boats lies in tricking the wayward stream and laughing at the disasters of those around whom it puts a not untender arm as it snugs them into, its bush banks. But as evidencing its present capabilities, it is easily'possible for. even a lady to' row a skiff or to " paddle her own canoe " from the Hospital Bridge to the Fendalton Mil!. The river here certainly has no great depth, but this is not without its advantages.. It is the learningground of the boating tyro, who, remembering that even Miss Jfance O'Neil did not scorned to wade ashore after her. memorable capsize, faces its iierils with a lion-hearted determination to do the same under similar circumstances. Were it materially deepened and the beginner had to take his life in one hand and his paddle in the other he might decline to run the risk. Tho.se are, perhaps, not very practical reasons to urge against any interference with the existing order of things, out. there really seems to have been very little outside demand for a change. Even were the water deepened as suggested; the garden reaches would not be suitable for any form of boating-save that casual form of the pastime which at present exists upon them. They would still lack the calm monotony necessary for athletic diversions. Those who appreciate the river's prettinesses, who know its "cosy corners," and who are. prepared to take its playful little difficulties in the spirit they suggest will readily understand that to turn it into a wide and easj> waterway might attract an element which would play havoc with the gardens and the delicate tracery of its hanks. There is plenty of serious boating room lower down the river, which is crying aloud for a little j attention and a little expenditure in the interests of boating proper, and ib really seems as if this might supply a better outlei; for the commendable enthusiasm of the Floral Fete Committee and the Drainage Board* . ! j