"HORTON PARK."

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 58, 9 March 1907, Page 5

"HORTON PARK."

AN INTERESTING BIT OF

HISTORY

The Omaka Domain Board this morning decided, on the motion of Mr McArtney, seconded by the Chairman (Mr Neville), that the Domain in Redwood Street be hereafter known as the Horton Park. Mr Thos. Horton, in, the course of his grateful acknowledgment of the honour, gave an interesting sketch of the history of the domain. He said that when he joined the Domain Board 30 years ago the old domain was a stock-resting reserve, which had been leased at £20 per annum. It was vested in the Board, sub- ! ject to the unexpired term of the lease. When the Board got possession it was lound that £20 per year was its greatest revenue. This, however, was increased, by leasing the ground to the Marlborough Racing Club, to £30 per year.; When the Racing Club removed its course to Riverlands the', land was let by tender at £40 per year. In. the meantime, the revenue had been alj lowed to accumulate until the Board had some £300 in hand. Then an agitation was set on foot to sell the property, and purchase a piece of ground nearer town. Mr Horton strenuously opposed the selling of the reserve, urg- ! ing that the property was an asset annually increasing in value. The matter proceeded so far, however, that the reserve was advertised for sale. The best offer was between £800 and £900. It was then offered at auction by the Land Board, but there was not a single bid-for it. The agitation became so acute that a Royal Commission was set up to inquire into the management and the general affairs of the Board. The Commission reported in Mr Horton's favour. Shortly afterwards an opportunity occurred to carry out Mr Morton's policy and secure a recreation ground in the town without parting with the reserve; and the Board, at his instigation, obtained the authority of the Governor to use the accumulated funds in the purchase of a recreation ground. The present park was obtained on most favourable terms. Owing to the successful carrying out of this policy, the public of Blenheim now possess not only the original reserve which brings in £60 per year, but also the recreation ground, to be henceforward known as Horton Park. The rental from the reserve forms a sinking fund which enables the Board to pay off the cost of the new ground, and wiU speedily accumulate to an amount suincient to improve the grounds considerably. The total revenue of ths Board is now about £100, and the offiJwM dlture practically nil; so that the Board is in a position to spend practically £100 a year, on the grounds. As will be seen, from the report of the ordinary business of the meeting, 50 or IUU loads of top-dressing is to be- placed upon the ground immediately.