RECLAIMING THE OVAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13846, 8 March 1907, Page 2

RECLAIMING THE OVAL.

» The work of reclaiming the Ova] and -converting it into a ' truly recreation reserve is being pushed steadily forward, exceptionally good results beiiijj noticeable ae tho outcomo of last summer's labour. In Hβ space of about a' couple of weeks' time a strip along the Princes slroot frontage, extending from the Atidorson's Bay road almost to tho Kensington corner, and having a minimum widtJi of 70yds, will bo cither in grass or top-dressed and ready for sowing. Tho top-dressing material is tho old harbour bottom, whichgis being dug out of tho reserve and deposited on tho top of tho filling-iii at the rate of 150 cartloads a. day. This. portion of the work is imdor tho supervision and control of Mr Tannock, the superintendent of Reserves, who is to bo congratulated on tho progress that has been made. Tho top-dress-ins material now being used should givo every chance to the grass to make good headway when 60\vn, and evidence of that is given by tho manner in which tho gras3 has corao awav in tJie last section laid down. It will probably bo necessary fo break up tho surfaco of the present football ami and give tho ground a'coating of soil preliminary to rosowing, tho original top-dressing not having been successful. It is understood that tho Reserves Committee of tho City Council will bo asked by the tramways omploy.ces to grant them the use, for football anil cricket purposes, of the playing area nearest to tho northern end of tho reserve, tFiat beincr the most convenient to tho airshed. Tho present fence on the Princes street frontage encroaches on ihe street line 6ft, which accounts for tlio holly hodge near tho Troopers' Memorial lieing set in as far as it is, tho intention; of course, being to widen tlio footpath by tho 6ft at present within tho enclosure. Tho handsome iron gates presented to the city by Messrs Shaddock (Ltd.). and intended as the main entrance to the Oval, have been sot up at Ihe Princes street corner. The carriage drive which is to encircle tho park will commence at these gates, and branch to right and left in front of tho Troopers' Memorial.