BEAUTIFYING SCHEME

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6442, 24 January 1924, Page 4

BEAUTIFYING SCHEME

MAKING LAGOON INTO LAKE IN BRIDGE DOMAIN FROM EYESORE TO BEAUTY SPOT Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening Mr Mackie said that he was sure that the money from the Herries Bequest could not be spent in a better direction than in beautifying the Bridge Reserve and converting the lagoon into a beautiful lake. He was of opinion that a substantial sum could be obtained from the Public Trustee for this purpose. The lagoon was a menace to health. He thought that the Chamber should co-operate with other local bodies in the effort to get the money from the Public Trustee. The president, Mr Willcox, said that a very beautiful spot could be made in the region of the lagoon. The lagoon could be turned into a beautiful lake. At Hamilton the lake was an asset to the town. So the lagoon here could be made an asset to Te Aroha. He thought the scheme should be fully discussed publicly. It should receive all the prominence and publicity that could be given it. He favoured arousing the public by giving a prize to the best essay on the subject.

Mr T. Stanley said that the members of the Bridge Domain Board were members of the Borough Council and elected by that body.

Mr Fitzpatrick said that the lagoon was an eyesore. What was spent on it would be for the public benefit. The scheme was worthy of every consideration and should be put forward with every effort possible. Mr Kennington expressed the opinion that it was a proposal that should be carried out. Mr Caudwell strongly supported the suggestion. If it were carried out the lake would be a big improvement and a favourite beauty spot of the town. He favoured offering a prize for the publicity it would give the scheme, and the possibility of obtaining some excellent ideas. The president suggested a deputation to the Borough Council. Mr Mackie stated that the beautiful lake at. New Plymouth had been a lagoon and he questioned if it had been as large as the one in the Bridge Reserve.

The Mayor, Mr Coulter, said he was particularly interested in the matter under discussion. He hoped some of the money of the Herries Bequest would be used in this direction. The proposal had his entire sympathy. He was glad to know that the Chamber was helping in this direction.

Mr Mackie said that he had mentioned the names of the four bodies mentioned to give greater weight to the proposal, if these four bodies would take the matter up.

The Mayor said that for two or three months the matter had drifted owing to certain circumstances. He was sure that any suggestions offered would be welcomed by the special committee appointed by the Borough Council. The Bridge Domain Board were members of the Borough Council. He suggested putting off the deputation to the Borough Council until the Board had brought forward its report to the Council. The Chamber, however, could make suggestions which would be welcomed.

The president agreed with the suggestion that a deputation from the Chamber wait on the special committee of the Borough Council in the matter.

It was pointed out that the Beautifying Society was appointed a special 1 committee by the Borough Council.

After further discussion it was agreed that a deputation comprising Messrs Mackie, Andrews and Fitzpatrick wait upon the Borough Council’s special committee (the Beautifying Society) in the matter.