MR. UPTON'S FREEMAN'S BAY PROPOSAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9022, 29 October 1892, Page 3

MR. UPTON'S FREEMAN'S BAY PROPOSAL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— are various obvious strong objections to the above proposal, which are quite sufficient to condemn it. But I will only mention one, viz., the financial question. His calculation of £1300a-year for a thousand years is unsound in more ways than one. Thus, who would dream, as a practical measure, of the city borrowing money, or what is the same thing, paying the Harbour Board as lessor, for a thousand years at the rate of interest now paid. In less than one-tenth of that time the rate of interest for really good security of a public body will be probably about three per cent., as it is now in England for corporations that have first-class security, and do not plunge. That phase of the question alone condemns it. Then, again, the estimate of £1300 a year assumes that the Harbour Board will be so foolish as to lease the Bay for a thousand years and forego the unearned increment. It is not at all improbable that a large dock or two may be in the Bay in the course of time. Thirdly, the supposed £1300 a-year may be increased by at least £200 to £300 a-year for maintenance. But surely the £1300 a-year even may be a vast deal more beneficially expended in draining streets and gullies that much require it than in providing a recreation ground for young fellows on such a site as the Bay. I am surprised that such a notion should be put forward, seeing the drainage and % street formation and lamps that are required in every ward of the city. am, &c, , : Citizen. TO the editor. Sir,—Permit me, please, a small space, Ist, to support Mr. Upton's suggestion to create a recreation ground in Freeman's Bay ; 2nd, to point out that the whole twenty odd acres are not required, but, say, ten or fifteen, which would be ample for the purpose, i.e., a recreation resort, not a park ; 3rd, to suggest to those kind friends who object to anything being done, and who refer us to the Albert Park, Western ditto, and Domain, that it is not for holiday occasions only we want a place, but for early mornings and evenings, where we can go. Is it generally known, sir, that there is not a spot where cricket can be played, except one small private allotment in Jervois Road ? and that has been leased by St. John's Cricket Club. Ponsonby is indeed worse off in this respect than the other suburbs. As to its position, it will be eminently healthful; the fresh breezes sweep over from the outer channel across the low lands of Brick Bay, while the sewer, carried out to deep water, will not annoy delicate nostrils, and eucalyptus trees planted round will play their part. I trust Air. Upton will persevere with the proposal. —I am, etc., Silex.