“MISTAKE MADE”

Southland Times, Issue 25362, 14 August 1935, Page 8

“MISTAKE MADE”

PLANTING OF TREES PROTEST BY GOLF CLUB ?ARBOR DAY ECHO > An echo of the Arbor Day planting, in Queen's Park was heard at the City Council meeting last evening when a letter was received from the Queen’s Park Golf Club requesting that the trees in the avenue which interfered with the fairways of the course be removed. “Is the council going to turn an unfortunate mistake into a wilful injustice?” was the query of Councillor W. G. Tait. After discussion the council decided to refer the matter to the Reserves Committee for report. Club's Letter. The letter from the secretary of the Queen’s Park Golf Club stated:— “I am directed by the executive of my club to write to you in regard to the avenue of trees planted on Arbor Day alongside the footpath from the band rotunda to Elies Road. Last year the council increased the rent payable by the club tenfold, and it seemed but natural to assume that nothing would be done on the property to seriously interfere with the playing of the game without due and proper notice being given to the club. There are nine fairways in this block, and the trees planted cross six of these; also in one instance, though no trees are on a fairway, a tree is actually planted on the putting green. “A committee from the club met the chairman of the Reserves Committee and the Superintendent of Reserves when it was pointed out what a serious matter it was for the course as at present laid out. The suggestion was made that serious consideration be given by our executive to the proposition that a different lay-out be made with a view to avoiding as far as possible the track and avenue of trees. A plan of the area was obtained and the matter carefully considered by a meeting of our executive, but, after a fair review, we were unanimously of the opinion that: (a) Tire present area is to small to permit of any alteration of the course; (b) even if a rearrangement could be made, it would be absolutely necessary to put five or six greens in a different position; and (c) that the uncertain and unsatisfactory nature of the club's tenure would not warrant such a course even if it could be conveniently done. Removal of Trees Requested.

“Referring to clause (b) I may state without fear of contradiction that the greens of our club would be a credit to any golf course in the ’ Dominion; but you must appreciate that it has taken years and much expert knowledge as well as experience to bring them up to that stage. No mention is made of expense. A careful consideration of the proposition made was no doubt due both to the council and ourselves, but we must express keen resentment at the planting of an avenue of trees that do now and as they grow will increasingly inconvenience us. We respectfully request that these trees be removed, and put it to you that as long a© the council allows us to use the area for a golf course, our executive should be consulted prior to the planting of trees in the immediate vicinity of the links. “It appears that your Reserves Department’s plans for development of the park will eventually make prohibitive its use as a golf course, but my club is not at present in a financial position to enable it to purchase private land for a new course. It is our intention to raise funds for this purpose, i but it will be at least three years be- ( fore sufficient will be available. As our | club championship matches are due to , commence shortly, we trust your coun- I cil will give effect to our request as I soon as possible.” The Discussion. A precis of the letter, appearing in “late correspondence,” was read to the G. J. Reed moved that the letter be referred to the Reserves ComThis was seconded by Councillor G. I E. T. Dorman. “I move that the action of the Reserves Department be approved,’ said Councillor H. Ritchie. “We have to decide that this is a park, not a goit course. The golf players will have to put up with it. That part of the park is very bare; the trees will improve it considerably. The time has come for the council to decide whether the park is to be developed as a golf course or as a park. I presume the chairman of the Reserves Committee will support the superintendent. It would be rather ridiculous if after the Arbor Day observance at which the children were present and had the value of tree-planting stressed to them the action of a few golfers should cause the trees to be removed. It wouldn’t say much for the sincerity of the observance. I move as an amendment that the action of the superintendent be approved.” The Mayor (Mr John Miller) asked that the letter be read. He said that it had only been received that day and strictly speaking should not have come before the council. The Town Clerk then read the letter. “I've been discussing the matter,” said the Mayor. “It was brought to my notice that the golf club had considered the matter and was demanding that the trees be taken out. It is unfortunate that this thing has happened. I can assure councillors that so far as the Superintendent of Reserves is concerned he viewed the park from the point of view of development, not as a golf course. Whether the course has been interfered with I dp not know. The trees won’t be very thick or high for a number of years. One thing is certain, and that is that a different layout would remove a great danger. The track is used a great deal by people going to and from North Invercargill.

“The matter wants a fair amount of consideration,” said his Worship. “It would be an unfortunate thing if we had to pull out the trees after the children had attended the celebrations and been told all about the value of planting and protecting trees. However, it is a matter for the council to decide. Mistake Admitted’. The chairman of the Reserves Committee, Councillor A. W. Jones, said he first wished to make it plain that there had been no intention of deliberately placing an obstruction in the way of golfers. There had been some suggestion that this was behind the planting, but it was entirely erroneous. Neither Mr Mansfield nor he played golf and they did not realize that an obstruction was being raised. The suggestion had been made to the club that it might consider another lay-out, but he had been assured —and he had no reason to doubt the accuracy of this —that it was no: possible to effect such alterations. “Who assured you?” asked the Mayor. “A golf club member,” replied Councillor Jones.

“Oh, that’s a different thing,” said the Mayor. “I have no reason to doubt the truth

of what I was told,” said Councillor Jones. “Why not refer the matter to the Reserves Committee with power tO “No, the whole council will decide,” said the Mayor. „ “A mistake has been made, said Councillor Jones. “We should not pel petuate a mistake. lam prepared to recommend that the trees be taken out We should remember that the rental ol the course was raised and the club has reason to expect fair treatment. Through a mistake an obstruction has been raised; it should be removed. I have no axe to grind. I don t play “You're on their ticket, though, said Councillor Ritchie. . .. “Don’t talk like that, said Councillor W. G. Tait. “Want To Be Fair.” “If they can’t adjust their course, we should remove the trees,” said Councillor Jones. “I would like to see the trees there, but 1 want to be fan. 1 think the presence of the golfers is a good thing for the park. It means there is always someone about. “The first mistake that was made was putting the track there,” said the Mayor. “It is much used and this makes it dangerous.” “That shows its necessity, said Councillor Jones. “It is quite likely that if we got a golf course expert the park course could be rearranged,” said the Mayor. “If it is referred back to the committee we shall get expert advice,” said Councillor Jones. “An unfortunate mistake has. been made,” said Councillor Tait. “Whether the golfers are to remain on the park or not is a matter of policy for the council. We believed, however, that when the rental was raised to £52 we would get a better tenancy. The chairman of the Reserves Committee admits a mistake has been made. So does the Superintendent of Reserves.” “I don’t think the superintendent admits a mistake was made,” said the Mayor. “A mistake was made. I take full responsibility,” said Councillor Jones. “Is the council going to turn an unfortunate mistake into a wilful injustice? I leave it at that,” remarked Councillor Tait.

Councillor Ritchie, at the Mayor’s suggestion, agreed to withdraw his amendment, so that the Reserves Committee could consider the matter and report to the council. Councillor G. E. T. Dorman remarked that so far as the effect on the. children was concerned, the trees, if the soil were not disturbed from the roots, could be planted again elsewhere. “There’s no damage to the trees. It’s the fiasco of planting and uprooting them,” said the Mayor. The motion referring the matter to the Reserves Committee for report to the council was carried.