THE NEW PARK QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, 12 March 1901, Page 4

THE NEW PARK QUESTION.

It is unfortunate that the need for public parks in closely populated districts was not taken into consideration when Auckland was originally laid out. The cause, of course, is evident. In those days there was no crowding in residence quarters generally dreamed of, nor was the imperative need of breath-ing-spaces as well understood in any part of the world as it is at present. The opportunity of somewhat rectifying our civic mistake by securing the reclaimed land at Freeman's Bay for a public recreation ground necessarily forces the matter to the front. The scheme must have the sympathetic consideration of all our citizens, even although, like every other public scheme, it is open to a considerable amount of criticism. That the very populated district which it would serve needs such an open space few will question. And if it is not exactly the location which would be unanimously selected it is certainly the only central/site in' that ; district which is easily available. The question really reduces itself to one of expense. We could cover the city with beautiful parkt: and magnifi-cently-treed avenues if we were financially able, and by so doing should certainly enhance its attractiveness and all to the physical and moral health of our people. But we are necessarily limited in this as in many other directions by our means. If the securing of the Freeman's Bay park is within our means', the scheme should be favourably considered. Ample opportunity will be afforded to discuss this most important phase of the question before a final decision is reached. But we would remind the citizens of Auckland that apart altogether from the j

making more beautiful the civic life of this most beautifully situated city of ours, there has to be considered the health and strength of ..our people. While it is .true that there are limits to our financial powers, it is equally true that health comes before wealth, and that :-■■ a, vigorous, physical life is an incalculable aid to morality. We have various evils existing and growing in our community which excite 1; the ; sorrow and alarm of all earnest men, and while it would >be leaning on a broken reed to rely on the pagan remedies for a cure it is our duty to remember the physical needs of the young and never to forget that the strength and vigour of our ■ race has had its material basis in athletic exercises and the open-air life. *