CITY PLAYGROUNDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 5

CITY PLAYGROUNDS.

SYDENHAM PLOT.

COUNCIL DECIDES fO SELL.

On tho question of using the council’s land in Wordsworth Street as a children’s playground, the Town Clerk, in accordance with a request by Councillor Langley that a report should ho furnished on tho subject, reported to the City Council last evening. In April last, he stated, in pursuance of a notice of motion by Councillor Ell, tho council considered the question of rescinding the resolution authorising tho salo of this hind and using it for the purpose of a children s playground, and the following report furnished by the City Surveyor upon tho matter was adopted:-—“The remaining plot of land has an area of 3 roods 8 perches. It hns a fvontago of about chains to Wordsworth Street (m which street the trams run) and about 60 links frontage on Queen Street, lhe othor sides front on back premises. It does not appear to me at all suitable for a playground. It is only twenty chains distant from Sydenham lark (say five minutes’ walk), and 1 think it would he better to sell the land and, it a playground is really needed purchase a suitable plot having a sunny aspect.”

Councillor Langley said he certainly objected to the adoption of this report. He would like to see another report made out regarding this piece of land, as it was not in the interests of the city to sell any of the land it owned. A nico wall could lie put iViuud Lite ground, and scats placed thereCouncillor Peek said that to his riind tho place was not suitable for playgrounds. Waltham would bo a good place for a playground to bo 'obtained. Councillor Armstrong said this policy was not one any sane man could support- Tho time had arrived when they should say stop in regard to parting with any of the lands in their possession. He would strenuously oppose selling one inch of land, and probably buying it back at a later date at five or six times the price. Councillor Bennland said they must , , o* all rescind the motion 'on tho books. '

Councillor Hunter said that when the Labour men got into power they would find a way to utilise these places. lhe Mayor p’ointod out that thoadoprton of the report meant tho selling remelnbcrThat councillors must

The matter went to a division Motor?” C: “ H ° W d ° * VOU v °t o . Mr

Hr Thacker: “No.” A voice: “Of course he would.” report was adopted by 10 votes