A SEAT FOR TWO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26775, 19 May 1948, Page 4

A SEAT FOR TWO

Sometimes, but all too rarely, officialdom in its acts is inspired by a warmly human understanding, and in its austere planning pauses for a moment to perform some intimate courtesy to the individual. Such a gesture has come from the London County Council. Our London correspondent reports that this normally prosaic body has decided to erect park seats “built to accommodate strictly two people only.” The council; it is explained, believes that couples who sit in parks like to talk without being overheard, and it is prepared to install twin seats wherever there is a demand for them. To understand how acceptable such provision can be, one needs to have visited one of the great centres of population and to have seen how difficult it is for two people to be alone. Darkness is charitable, whether it is the darkness of a deep recessed doorway or of a suburban theatre. In the daytime there are only the parks, and these are crowded. “ Star-scattered on the grass ” the people sit and lie—young lovers, young married couples escaped from crowded flat or a parent’s back bedroom, old friends, business associates airing their problems. And often the grass is wet. Seats are few and must be shared. . . . Now there are to be seats for two. These twin seats are a small enough concession, for the users of them must purchase their semi-isola-tion by sacrificing the anonimity of those who remain pn a level with their fellows. One question arises. It is stated that the seats will “ accommodate strictly two people only.” Is this a lapse in the phrasing of our correspondent, or will the council seek to enforce decorum by placing some barrier-disguised as an arm-rest—between the occupants? Surely this, cannot be intended. Rather should the council crown its thoughtfulness by reserving for such seats the most secluded spots and grassy banks which face a pleasant prospect. It could grant exemption from the usual hire imposed on park seats, or issue check tickets which could be redeemed on the announcement of an engagement. Then, indeed, would the council play brother to Cupid. This would be social planning of a sort too seldom seen, an indication of a spirit which would create more confidence in schemes of mass benevolence.