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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 49, 3 April 1914, Page 6

Though a considerable effort has been made to enlist sufficient practical sj'mpathy of the citizens of Ch.ristchurch to ensure the acquisition of Elmwood Park, the response has not been characterised by any great measure of enthusiasm. Despite a" substantial contribution from the City Council, and a handsome subsidy from the Government, the appeal of the canvassers for private subscriptions has proved comparatively unavailing. It is clear that if" this | valuable area is to be secured that some other steps should be taken, and the I Mayor last evening put forward a suggestion which appears to promise the best way . out of a serious difficulty. Mr Holland's suggestion is that a proposal. for a loan of £4OOO should be submitted to the ratepayers, a special rating area in the vicinity of the park to be defined. He thought that if the proposed loan were carried the City Council could be induced to increase its vote. This is quite a fair proposition. Several speakers expressed the opinion, however, that St. Albans residents would resent- a. proposal which would mean'an increase in their rates.. This is essentially a selfish attitude to take up. St. Albans and Merivale are the districts which " would benefit primarily by having such a ground, and as the people most directly interested, they should be prepared to shoulder part of the burden which would be imposed Ly the acquisition of the park. St. Albans has an excellent ground as it is, end it would be manifestly unfair and illogical for its residents to expect that they could secure such a valuable and necessary addition to their breathing spaces Avithout towards the heavy expense involved in such a proposition. The council and the Goevnment, recognising the need of such a splendid reserve, Have come forward Aviih offers of substantial assistance, and if those ratepayers, most directly concerned are wise, they will accept his Worship 's suggestion and consent to the suggested loan being raised under the conditions laid down. If they persist in expecting a great deal for nothing, they deserve to lose this opportunity of securing one of the most necessary recreation grounds in Che city.