LAKE ST. JOHN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 7

LAKE ST. JOHN.

Sir, —Surely no public body will taka it upon itself to filot out Lake St. John without gaining the explicit consent ol the people of the whole isthmus, to whom it is a unique heritage. Have those who proposed such a piece of stupid vandalism considered at what expense aud trouble many communities have gone ;to form artificial lakelets for the beautification of domains and parks? Here we, have a free gift of a beautify! .sheet of water which lends itself to treatment that would make the spot the most picturesque littla domain in Auckland. What would such places as Cambridge, Hamilton, or New Plymouth think of a proposal to draiq their respective lakes, which they rightly prize as the gems of their scenic attractions ? Cannot the great city of Auckland spare room for its one lakelet without coveting the paltry area in its bed ? People who want playing areas should be sports enough to sav: "Hands off Lake St. John!" ' F.C.A. Sir, —I am glad to see there are some who are desirous of retaining the above waters. While provision is made for various playing grounds, the section of the community who are lovers' of nature should not be overlooked. Who that has passed through our Domain has not admired that beauty spot of shrubs and water along the drive—at one time an unsightly pool 1 If this has been accomplished ori such a small scale, how much more could be done with Lake St. John 1 Why not enlarge the lake slightly by raising the level of the water, and treat it as Lake Merritt, in Oakland, California, whose shores are beautified by palms, shrubs, shelter trees, tea kiosk, pagoda boat-house and landing, the kiosk, boathouse and landing being furnished with seats and flower boxes of'geraniums, etc., right down to the edges .of the landing stage. Here Canadian canoes (seating two or three) -may be hired at 2s per hour and on line days the various parties drifting on the glistening waters make a. , , pretty sight. Like the lake at Hamilton/ <' we should preserve it for those who'liko boating but who do not care for .the deep water and harbour risks. " If this were done I feel sure that the returns would well repay the initial outlay, for many would be attracted to the lake for an hour's canoeing. I trust that the interests of nature-lovers and devotees c£ fresh-water boating may not Iw overlooked, and ,that our only fresh-water expanse for recreation may be saved 'and beautified. F. E. C. Morton. .