THE PROPOSED RECREATION GROUND.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9317, 11 June 1891, Page 3

THE PROPOSED RECREATION GROUND.

A number cf residents of Oriental Bay assembled at: the boating shed last night to discuss with tho promoters the proposed scheme for reclaiming a portion of the bay to serve as a recreation ground. Mr John Watt having been elected to the ohair, Mr Gaily said the meeting was called to give information us to tye proposed scheme, and to afford the residents an opportunity of discussion. The promoters were willing in every possible way to consider the wishes of tbejnhabitaiats, although ho would remind them that it was a scheme promoted by private enterprise, there being no public body able or willing to provide a recreation ground. Their object was simply the promotion of athletics, &e., and he hoped those present would have no hesitation in expressing an opinion on tbe subject. There had evidently been s goad deal of misunder* standing as to the scheme, and it was with the idea of clearing np all doubts on the subject that the meeting had been called. (Hear, hoar.) As to tiie height of the wall or fence round tbe gronnd, they proposed to plant a live fence, and that, with a light open fence would be the boundary on the landward side.

Mr Triugbam thought it wonld have been much better if they bad had a proper plan set before them. Failing that, he did not eee how they could properly disenss the question. (Hear, bear.) His idea Was that an iron fence should be built round the ground, and if they bad a live fence it ought not to bo allowed to grow more than seven feet high. If that were done be should have no objection to tho scheme. Mr P. Coffey said they were working in the dark, (Hear, bear.) They must first catch their rabbit before they cooked it. (Daughter.) Mr Motley : There Is a plan on the table if anyone wishes to see it. Tbe plans having been examined by several of those present, Mr Coffey said it seemed to be the general opinion that it was impossible .with a alight pencil sketch before them to even understand where the ground was going to be. They were simp!}' wasting their time,- and he proposed that the meeting adjourn sinodie, in order to allow the promoters time to produce plans and specifications, showing not only the area to bo reclaimed, bat also the position of the buildings to bo placed thereon. (Hear, hear.) Mr Dauby seconded the motion.

Mr Ward, tbe surveyor, eaid tbe plan bad been prepared after three or four days’ careful personal survey, and if any of them wished he would be pleased to show them tbe exact area, and give them all other particulars. The area proposed to be reclaimed was about 18 acres, starting from Fitz Gerald’s point; there would be a live fence all round, and as to building, they proposed to place a grand stand in the centre, while they also proposed to build a boat harbonr, Mr Coffey was rather exacting in his requirements, and seemed to want a good deal of colouring on the plan. Mr Coffey : I want a plan I. can understand. (Hear, hear.)

Mr Waid: A personal visit under my guidance will give you more information than any plana. Mr StauiiSeld said It was, he thought, generally .'understood that, a recreation ground wat; wanted, for Wellington, and it was also'generally acknowledged that Oriental Bay was a very suitable place for such a ground. Instead of trying by every means in their power to baulk the promoters, he thought they ought to bo very much obliged to them, and do their utmost to aid them in the enterprise. As to the plans, be thought it was unfair to ask those gentlemen to prepare extensive plans, and all they could expect was an undertaking on tlio .part of the promoters that no fence which .would obstruct tile view should be pat up. He moved as s.n -amendment that a committee of residents of Oriental Bay be appointed to discuss the matter amicably with the pro* motors. If they wanted shares in the company they uoald have them. They wanted a recreation ground, and he hoped they would havs it. (Hear, hear.) The names ha proposed for the committee were Messrs Trlngbsm, Glover, Sherman, MoHowall, Coffey, Watt, Hill, and the mover, with power to add to their number. Mrs Stephens said the promoters went to the Harbour Board with plans before coneulting any of the residents. It bad always been intended to have an esplanade there,' but one that should be free to everyone. (Applause).. : Mr Golly, in seconding Mr Stanfield's amendment, said the reason why the promoters went to the Harbonr Board was beoanse an application bad been made for that same ground by a company for shipbuilding purposes. Ha donbted whether the most elaborate plan wonld induce Mr Coffey to view the plan with favour. If the residents wore against it the scheme would not bo carried through, bat if the scheme were approved of it would bo accomplished, despite the objections of a minority or of any individuals who had private reasons lor their opposition!. Mr Coffey said there never had been an application made to the Harbour Board for

any portion of the Bay alt the time he had lived there fur shipbuilding purposes If the promoters were as disinterested as they said they were they would have expended ft little money on preparing a proper plan, giving the public sufficient information on the subject. Without that plan they were wasting time, and ho preferred not to have the question discussed by any committee. Tbo Chairman said to a great extent he agreed with Mr Coffey, thinking that at least a pen and ink sketch should have been produced. (Hear, hear.) On the suggestion of Mr Stephens, jun., tbo names of Messrs Wilkinson, Stephens, and Valentino were added to those embodied in Mr Stanafiold’s amendment.

The amendment as altered was then put to the meeting, when 10 voted for and 7 against, and it was declared to be carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the mooting to a close.