CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 8

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

IN FRONT OF HOSPITAL. SUM OF £IOOO REQUIRED. There was a large gathering at the “social” tendered by Mr G. A. Troup, president of the Boys* Institute, to discuss the matter of the proposed play area for children. The first part of the evening was devoted to music, when itemß were rendered by Miss Edna Purdie, Miss Kelly, Mrs Grant, and Gilmour (solos). Mias Edna Purdie and Miss McDonald gave recitations. Mr G. A. Troup then explained that steps were to be taken to secure the £IOOO required for the play area on the ground in front of the hospital. Through the co-operation of the Hospital Board and the institute, the ground, which is at present an eyesore, would be turned into a beauty spot, where the children would be provided with apparatus for enjoyment. The children of Wellington had been neglected In the past, hut their voice would be heard, and this was only the beginning of many play areas for the city. The City Council had realised the value of this community effort, and they had voted the sum of £6OO to provide the necessary conveniences. Mr C. M. Luke, chairman of the hospital committee, congratulated the institute on the public spirit shown by them in this effort to provide a play area for children. The Hospital Board was unanimous in its desire to co-oper-ate with the institute. Councillor C. H. Chapman spoke of the civic spirit existing in Wellington, as shown by the fine response to the street appeals from time to time. He believed that the children would make a special appeal to the generosity of the citizens, and he anticipated that the required amount will be raised at an early date. Major Vine, a member of the Hos. pital Board, expressed his pleasure at the effort to be made to create a playing ground, and Mrs Adjutant Glover, of the Salvation Army, Bpoke of the result of the play area established at the Basin Reserve last year, as shown by the decrease in children’s offences coming before the Juvenile Court. After supper had been provided, strong committees were set, up in connection with the street day to be held on Friday, July 14th. A vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Troup was proposed by Councillor Chapman, and carried by acclamation.