THE BOTANIC GARDENS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 741, 14 May 1886, Page 29

THE BOTANIC GARDENS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND M'Uli Sir, —I was pleased to see some allusion in your issue of the sth instant to the state of the Wellington Botanical Gardens. Much is certainly needed to make the grounds attractive, and much remains to be done for taking advantage of the great natural advantages which the gardens themselves present. The Government grant in aid is, I understand, LIOO per annum, which with a share of the city reserves, makes a total income of about L2BO, a sum which is barely sufficient to pay current expenses, wages, &c., and leaves little or nothing for new works. What is wanted is a sum of LSOO at least over and above this, for the formation of new paths, the eradication of gorse, &c., and the putting of the place in thoroughgoing order. It may be assumed, I think, that the Government cannot be induced to make a special grant of money to the extent required. To do so in the case of Wellington would of course mean similar expenditure in every other city in the Colony. But what is to prevent the citizens from raising the amount by voluntary subscription ? The gardens are well worth maintaining, and I believe that with the aid of one or two active canvassers the sum required could soon be collected. Personally I have not many guineas to spare, but I am perfectly willing to subscribe one to this fund. As to the mode of dealing with the sum raised, I would leave this to five trustees to be appointed by the contributors. Two of the trustees to be members of the Botanic Garden Board—of course the consent of the Board would be necessary in the first instance, but doubtless there would be little difficulty on this head, and I commend the suggestion to your notice and that of your numerous readers. —I am, &c., Citizen.