HAIR PARK AND BOBBIE PARK.

Northern Advocate, 27 July 1934, Page 4

HAIR PARK AND BOBBIE PARK.

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Some dO or more years ago, Mr 11. R, Robbie presented to the borough, a eonsiderable area on the slopes of Parahaki for a park. This area of land is unique for that on it is to bo found nearly every form of plant and tree to be found in New Zealand. A naturalist from overseas visited Whangarei some years ago, and went with the late Mr Robert Mair to inspect this area. On returning he mentioned to Mr Mair that if he had visited this before commencing his work in Southland he could have collected all the specimens he required without further travel. Since the gift, several places have been exploited by the gumdiggers, and practically nothing has been done to give proper access and to afford facility for the public of Whangarei and visitors to become acquainted with this property. The late Mr Robert Mair gave another park, situated on the bank of the river, adjacent to the abovementioned property. What little has been done to improve this gift has been done principally by private efforts. On this property are evidences of Maori occupation, but nothing has been done to clear these and make them available for public observation. What is wanted Is a bridge across the river to unite the two parks and.give a safe crossing. There is a very suitable site in Mair Park where a rocky face gives a good takeoff on that side, and there is abundant supply of good stone to build the necessary buttress on the other side, and for facing the wings to control the flow of the river at flood. A concrete bridge on which tablets could lie fixed to commemorate the donors would be suitable and lasting. Much money has been spent in improving the Central Park, which ivas acquired by purchase, and was recently damaged by" flood, and which will always be subject to a recurrence of the trouble. It seems to point to the old saying that what is given to the public is not appreciated in proportion to what they have to pay for. The facilities for bathing at the pool in Mair Park are such that ladies will not go there. The children ’s pool is so constructed that it accumulates filth and is not attractive. In the hope that drawing attention to the state of affairs will result in something being done to improve the situation, —I am, etc., T. IT. STRAP MAN.