ACCLIMATISATION GARDENS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15334, 17 June 1910, Page 4

ACCLIMATISATION GARDENS.

REMOVAL FROM THE DOMAIN.

MR SLOMAN’S SCHEAIE,

Mr C. J. Sloman’s scheme to remove the Canterbury Acclimatisation, Society’s gardens from their site in tho Domain, behind the Hospital, to ground owned by tho Society was discussed yesterday with a great deal of interest by these who arc interested in. the subject. Several opinions obtained from members of the Domains Board seem to show that the scheme, if carried, out, would not he a matter •of great concern to the Board, as it would then have the use of the land now occupied,'which is a very attractive corner of the gardens, well situated, with an entrance to Riecarton Road. It is suggested that if the Society does rernovo its gardens the Board might undertake to maintain the gardens in something like their present attractiveness. Another more ambitious proposal is that tho site should be used for the establishment of modest zoological gardens. A member cf tho Board told a reporter yesterday that lie felt that the Acclimatisation Society had always been treated very well. It was given the grounds free, and also an absolutely free hand, as long as it did nothing to damage tho trees. As a matter of fact, the Board, had adopted tho policy of never meddling with the Society at all, and the Society had no reason to expect any other treatment than it had received. The Board, or course, could not allow the Society to cut up the whole place, as it was likely to badly damage tho beautiful trees planted in that part of the Domain. The races, when made near the roots of tho trees, sometimes had a very had effect. Near tho Riecarton Road, indeed, a very fine oak had been killed, by the effect of stagnant water poisoning its roots. He added that the Board had always been courteous and considerate to the Society, which had absolutely nothing to complain of, as long ak it did not damago the Board's property.