BIRKENHEAD WATERFRONT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20137, 24 December 1928, Page 10

BIRKENHEAD WATERFRONT

PARK AND GRANDSTAND. OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY. Hinemoa Park, at the entrance to Birkenhead and adjacent to the wharf, together with the bandstand just erected therein, were officially opened yesterday afternoon by the Mayor, Mr. E. (>. Skeates, who was accompanied by lhe Mayoress. In an address Mr. Skeates said the waterfront park was a beautiful area, and set in beautiful .surroundings. It was the consummation of a dream 20 years old. At that period such a provision had been advocated, but it had taken a long lime to persuade the succeeding councils to expend (he money necessary to form the area and lay it out. However, that had at length been accomplished. The ratepayers had declined to sanction the proposal for the erection of bathing accommodation nearby, but nevertheless the council had provided dressing-shed accommodation on a more modest scale, for both sexes, in tho eastern corner of the park. Although he would be leaving the district shortly, possibly not to return, he hoped tho ratepayers would see to it that they returned a Mayor and council that would not regard expenditure on such beauty spots as a waste of money. He officially declared Hinemoa Park open and also the bandstand, which he was sure would bo appreciated both bv bandsmen and the public. (Applause.) The bandstand, which cost £IOO, is erected on a hillock which forms a natural base. The structure is of ornate design, constructed of concrete, and stucco finish, and having unitpic. octagonal arched bays with rockery insertions.