HOBSON BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20629, 30 July 1930, Page 10

HOBSON BAY.

It is well that the prospect of reclaiming a portion of Hobson Bay and creating there a public reserve has been given at length a practicable shape. In the scheme submitted yesterday to the Parks Committee of the City Council there is outlined a treatment of the area that is worthy of serious consideration, and the Ilobson Bay Preservation Committee is to be thanked for its vigilance and initiative. As was said by one member of its deputation, its activities have been promoted by people representing the whole city, not merely those living in the vicinity of the bay; and the point was clearly made that what is done oa the waterfront in this region concerns all citizens. The details of the particular scheme, may require modificat ion, but they provide a very useful groundwork for filial planning, and their suggestions of artistic roading, a monument to Governor Hobson, a spacious recreation area and permanent buildings for exhibitions follow the general lines of an adequate treatment of the part to be reclaimed. As to the arrangement to be made between the Harbour Board and the City Council, this also may call for very careful review before the negotiations are completed. The attitude of the City Council in asking for the fee simple of the whole area rather than a lease has considerable justification on the score of financial necessity. Without a grant of that, the possibility of satisfactory treatment of the area might be prejudicially limited. This aspect of the matter ought to be borne in mind by both parties. However, in the new basis of, negotiations proposed by the Harbour Board there is an augury of a satisfactory settlement of this crucial question. In the reopening of practical discussion there emerges a more definite hope that this part of the waterfront will ere long become an ornament of both harbour and city, and add as well to needed facilities for recreation and kindred purposes.