CEMETERIES AND SPORT

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11784, 21 March 1924, Page 5

CEMETERIES AND SPORT

GAMES ON ADJACENT AIREAS. “PERHAPS A BOXING MATCH.” OPINIONS DIFFER ON CITY COUNCIL. The cemeteries committee reported to the City Council last night that a communication had been reoeived from the Bishop of Wellington, and Diocesan Standing Committee granting ire consent to the removal of the restriction imposed by consecration on that area adjoining Karori cemetery, that the area be reserved solely for burial purposes,® and to the proposal of the council to utilise the area as a root park. The committee recommends that the area be reserved as a rest park, and handed over to the reserves committee on the distinct understanding that the area bo not used as a sports ground, other than a play area for children. Councillor J. Aston said that he thought it would be going too far to restart the use of the park to a children’s playground. The area was well separated from the burial ground, and while he yielded to no one in his respect for the dead, he could not see any reasonable objertion to allowing tbs playing of ordinary games on this area. This view was supported by Councillor Liackie, who contended that dt| would be absurd to set aside an area of land of from 15 to 16 acres for a children’s playground. For the greater part of the time it would be simply wasted. Councillor Burns said that the prol- - objected to was there only because a compromise had been arrived at with the church authorities on this basis. It was only on this condition that the restrictions imposed by the oonsecrartion of the ground had been removed. Further, Councillor Luokie apparently did not know the area very well or he would not speak of wasting 15 acres, because the 4 - most of it was standing on end. The Mfiyor: This is an example of how things grow. When tins was first mooted, it was distinctly understood that the area was wanted only for a rest park. Now they are going from that to ask for more. They would finish up by holding boxing matches there if they were lot. It was decided that the clause be referred back to the committee to seo if more elastic regulations could bo agreed upon.