THE CITY PARKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22429, 27 May 1936, Page 14

THE CITY PARKS

WORK IN NURSERY IMPROVING PLAYING FIELDS A DECREASE IN REVENUE Although the past year has not been very favourable from a 'horticultural point of view the city's parks and gardens have maintained a high standard, particularly Albert Park and the Domain. The annual report of the Parks and Reserves Department, which was made available yesterday by the chairman of the Parks Committee of tho City Council, Mr. E. J. Phelan, states that the system of rationing work among the staff rendered necessary during the depression has now been abolished and full-time employment has been restored to all men in the department. This, the superintendent of parks, Mr. T. S. Aldridge, observes, will greatly assist and add to the cleanliness and appearance of the parks and reserves, particularly to those outer areas which had been rather neglected on account of financial stringency. After referring to the fine showing in tho winter garden and the popularity of these displays, the report indicates the extent of the work done during the year in the nursery and tho propagating house at tho Domain. ItMs stated that tho nursery is stocked with a fine . lot of healthy trees and shrubs, which will be planted out in tho various parks and cemeteries during the planting season. No street planting was carried out during the year, but the established trees received attention. Domain Grounds Improved Dealing with the parks which contain playing fields, the report states that generally tho revenue from games showed a decrease on the previous year. At the Domain the grounds were improved by top-dressing, together with the re-laying of turf, while 10 tons of Port Albert soil were used for the main wickets. Tho year's revenue amounted to £579, or £59 less than in the previous year. At Victoria Park tho revenue was £633. which was £56 less than in the previous year. At the Walker Road Reserve seven wickets were reconditioned. At this ground the revcmuo was £155, a drop of £27 on tho previous year. At the Grey Lynn Park the revenue totalled £36."

Popularity of Motuihi In spite of the adverse weather during the spring and summer Motuihi Island proved very popular as a. picnic resort, stated the report. During the year 42,799 people visited the island. Farming operations had been very satisfactory, although the percentage of lambs was not up to expectations. The value of the wool and lambs sold was £BSO and the value of the stock „on the island had increased by £4OO. The need for more kitchen accommodation at the Western Springs motor camp was mentioned by Mr. Aldridge, who said that the camp had proved very popular, the revenue for the year amounting to £4OO. The new swimming baths, tennis courts and children's playground had been much appreciated. The camping ground at the Avondale South Domain had also been well patronised and £ls had been collected in fees.