KING GEORGE V. PARK.—A FITTING CORONATION MEMORIAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10766, 15 May 1911, Page 4

KING GEORGE V. PARK.—A FITTING CORONATION MEMORIAL.

To the Editor.

Sir, —The deputation that waited on the Hon. D. Buddo, Minister for Public Affairs, on Saturday afternoon asking information as to what purposes- the' Government subsidy for a Coronation memorial could be put are reported to have received the reply that, while the subsidy would be available for gates bearing a suitable inscription," a- band rotunda, or an avenue of trees, he did not think it would be available for the formation of an athletic park. . The Government's idea, he goes on to.say,- whs to promote the erection of permanent memorials that would remind the young people of the inauguration iof the reign and stimulate a wide spirit of patriot-: ism. Now, Sir, could there bo a. more suitable and permanent memorial than a public recreation ground,- where the youth of the town could practise their athletic games, and the'public could equally enjoy themselves looking' on? The Tyne ; ctreet garden reserve is convenient, suitable,- and available. .• Surely the fact that it is a reserve'already and only wants the expenditure on improvements to fit it for recreation purposes should be no bar to the granting of a subsidy: the-gates and the band rotunda would naturally form part of these improvements. A corporation grant and the Government subsidy : ti'p to £250 woidd go a gpodr way to 'its I formation, arid I am so satisfied of the success of the idea and the great attractiveness of the ground for purposes of recreation and sports, that I am willing to make one of 10 or. 20 ; to find the balance "of''the money for.- their equipment depending.on the. .fevenjie during, the next - ten' years for' ;repay-: ment. By-thai time. I am'certain thei guarantors would have got their'irioney back and could hand over, free oif debt to the corporation, or its domain board,' a properly'equipped sports , and recreation ground J "We must riot',miss: this opportunity; ; There can be';hb' more fitting memorial, go. where you will*. All over the Empire you will .find' 1 "Queen Victoria'' and ' 'King Edward Parks"— commemorating the reigns of these sovereigns. Further representations, backed up by a strong public expression of opinion, should be made to the Government, and no doubt the subsidy will be got. The first sod could be turned or the foundation of the band rotunda laid on Coronation Day, and the public de-' riionstration held in the park.—l am, etc., WM. WADDELL. Oamaru, loth May, 1911.