PURCHASE OF RESERVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20259, 20 May 1929, Page 12

PURCHASE OF RESERVE.

AREA ON THAMES COAST. THE PROBLEM OF FINANCE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES. Sunday. Difficulties confronting the Thames Borough Council in connection with a recently-acquired recreational reserve on the Thames coast were explained to the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, this afternoon by the Mayor of Thames, Mr. W. Bongard, who asked the Minister for assistance by way of a monetary grant. Mr. Bongard said the increasing popularity of the Thames coast as a scenic and bathing resort had decided the council to purchase acres of land at Waiomio at a cost of £I2OO as a picnicking area' for Thames and district residents. It was the last available open space for the purpose. When the purchase was made it was hoped that the Thames County Council would contribute £3OO, but its ratepayers had rejected the proposal at a poll. It was now proposed to.raise this money by a queen carnival." Mr. Bongard asked the Minister to make a grant toward the cost of the area, or, in the alternative, to give pound for pound subsidy. Mr. Forbes said the purchase of the area, he thought, shoujd be regarded as a district rather than a local matter. " I feel I would like to assist you and will bear your request in mind," he added.