DOMAINS BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17263, 2 September 1916, Page 4

DOMAINS BOARD.

YESTERDAY’S MEETING. The Christchurch Domains Board mat yesterday; present—Messrs G. Harper (chairman), W. H. Cooper. J. Longton, J. Drown, J. Ashlov, F. J. Carr and H. Eaglcsome. The Gardens Committee reported that tho question of tho power of tho board with roference to apprentices was left to Mr Harper to consider, and tho secretary was instructed to communicate with tho director of the Technical College, Christchurch, as to the facilities afforded by tho college for elementary education bearing upon tho subject of horticulture. The committee had viewed the Hospital corner of tho Sou tli Hagley Park, after which it was resolved that the curator should submit a plan of his ideas with regard to the conversion of tho corner into a proposed main entrance into tho South Hagley Park. Tho site of tho proposed rock garden between the south bridge and the nativo section in the Botanic. Gardens had been viewed and was approved. It had been resolved to recommend the board to hold a rose fete in connection with tho Botanic Gardens in November or December; that the Government should bo approached with a view to granting a closed day for this purpose; that tho Domains Board should be empowered to make a charge of one shilling for adults and sixpence for children- over twelve, and that tho funds sj collected should be applied to tho giving of employment to returned soldiers physically fit for work in the gardens until permanent employment could bo obtained for them. Tlie committee had viewed and approved of the planting of the old fern border with tho manukas and other shrubs given by tho family of the Late David Nairn. The committee had also viewed and approved of tho clearing and grassing of that portion of tho river bank lying between the curator’s cottage and the south bridge, left unfinished in 1914. The matter of the live hedges surrounding tho North and South Hagley Parks respectively was carefully considered, and their condition was noted, the committee agreeing with the curator that they should be renewed from time to time wdiere gaps occurred, and protected by a sheep proof fence. Mr Cooper suggested that Dr Cockayne should be communicated with in regard to the training of horticultural apprentices. A letter was read from the director of the Christchurch Technical College, stating that only elementary gardening instruction was given at the eollege. Mr Cooper’s suggestion was adopted after a short discussion.

The curator (Mr James Young) submitted a plan for the new main entrance to Sputh Hagley Park, providing for the getting back of fences at an angle, and the erection of a set of iron gates, which were offered on very favourable terms by Messrs Anderson's, Limited. It was decided to purchase the gates at tlie price quoted. In discussion on tho proposal to hold a rose fete, Mr Ashley said that the idea was that all work in connection with the fete should bo done gratuitously by members of the board and others.

Mr Cooper opposed tho proposal to close the gardens and charge for admission. The gardens belonged to the public, not the board. The financial result would bo as good if a collection were mado at the gates. Mr Longton said the committee did not propose to hold an elaborate bazaar, as had br»n the case in regard to previous fetes. At the former fetes tho people were- given opportunities to spend mo-uey, but this year there would only bo refreshment stalls. Therefore, the committee had suggested a charge for admission. Ho moved the adoption of the clauso. Mr Ashley suggested that the question of the* terms of admission might be held over.

It was decided to approve tho holding of a fete, and to refer the matter back to the Gardens Committee to make arrangements on the lines set out in tho report. The report as a whole was adopted. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. Jamieson for the gift of vases for the rose garden. It was reported that Messrs F. 11. P.vno and Co. had sent in a tender of £2 per acre per annum for grazing rights in tho North and South Parks. The tender was accepted.

Tho financial statement showed receipts for August amounting to £209 6s, and an expenditure of £209 2s Bd. Tho debit balance at the bank stood at £351 6s lOd. Accounts amounting to £3l 7s 5d were passed for payment.