PUKEKURA PARK BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16465, 18 June 1919, Page 6

PUKEKURA PARK BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Pukekura Park Board was held at the Soldiers’ Club on Tuesday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. C. E. Bellringer, there also being present: The Mayoress (Mrs. C. H. Burgess), Messrs. It. C. Hughes, H. Ford, A. S. Brooker, W. A. Collis and A. Gray (secretary). ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCESHEET. The Chairman reported that it was with pleasure he was able to say that, notwithstanding the abnormal season of last year and the comparatively fewer visitors to the park, the result of the influenza pandemic and unfavourable weather, they had been able to accomplish a considerable amount of useful work and to keep their financial position fairly satisfactory. Owing to the stressful time through which they had passed in November last it was found 1 impossible to carry out the proposed special fete in January, therefore that source of revenue was lost. The Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess) kindly offered his honorarium for the past year to the board, with a request that it should be used to erect a boulder wall along the Fillis Street boundary of the sports ground, thus doing away with the unsightly iron fence at present existing. The Borough Council raised no objection to a slight encroachment, but owners on the opposite side of the street refused to consent, so nothing has yet been done. It is hoped that the objections may yet be withdrawn and the work proceeded with. The Borough Council increased their grant to the Board by £SO, for the erection of latrines. These have been erected, constructed of boulders and concrete. The entrance from Liardet Street has been much improved by the re-forming and gravelling of the pathway. The work of the staff is dealt with fully by the curator in li is report. On the 21st and 24th of May respectively two of the staff left the board’s service, owing, they stated, to the low rate of wages paid. Later, others were engaged temporarily by the chairman to assist in the work undertaken at the sports ground and elsewhere. The exceptionally wet winter of 1918 was favourable to the growth of tree ferns and shrubs, which have done exceptionally well. The dressing room on the sports ground was repaired and painted, which is much appreciated by youthful patrons. When the extra man was dispensed with in August we continued the important work of planting and transplanting young and large trees in the park, and all have grown vigorously. 'The pandemic of diseases raging in New Zealand during October, November and December caused l a great falling off in the number of visitors to the park. There was also a great falling off in the number of European and Australian tourists who generally visit Taranaki. After Christmas the number of visitors increased, but not in the ratio of former years. Patrons and friends of the park were generous in sending seeds and plants, of both native and exotic species, to add to the park collection. The chairman eulogised the work of the curator by planting ferns and other native trees to the best advantage, which are now coming to fruitition. He added that ho doubted if in any other park in the world there is to be seen such a magnificent display of tree ferns as now adorn the park. Mr. Smith was appointed curator in March, 1908, a little more than eleveji years ago. and his work is the best evidence of the taste and skill he has shown in enhancing the beauties of the park. The chairman regretted that he was not in a position financially to take advantage to the full, of his knowledge and ability. Far too much of the curator’s time was taken up by work which could be done by labourers. Hade they greater means and a large staff, much better work could be done by Mr. Smith. The sports ground had occasioned considerable thought. Owing to the long school vacation in November, December, and January, the ground was practically unused, and a rank growth of grass and weeds covered the surface. Repeated endeavours were made to get the grass cut, without avail, and it was not until late in the season that the work was completed. Th.e ground was now being used by the Star Football Club, under a temporary arrangement. The arrangement with Mr. Gray for the use of the grounds by the Technical College, will now terminate, and we shall have to determine on a policy, for the future. He suggested that it would be wise to set up a committee to have charge of the grounds, under the board. The young men who take a keen interest in sport, and others connected with the various sports clubs and schools,, should be represented on the committee. In this way they would share the responsibility -of its upkeep, and have a definite Interest in effecting improvements. The curator has had in view the 'establishing of the fernery, as decided by the beard l scisf 1 ;cn,'rr.cnth; ::gc and

the time has now arrived when something definite should be done. The erection of a rough bush house is all that is necessary for the present, and as there is ample macrocarpa in the park for the work, the expense will not be great. A gentleman, who has one of the finest collections of ferns in the Dominion, has intimated that as soon as they were ready to receive the plants, he will make a good donation of ferns. In this park, where ferns grow to perfection. we ought to have the finest and fullest collection in the Dominion. The opportunity was theirs if they were willing to take it. In this regard he (the chairman) again urged that they set up a committee of experts to assist the curator in this part of the work. We have received from two gentlemen who make a special study of afforestation, the offer of a donation of young gum trees. The intention is that a section of the Park should be devoted to growing gum trees of various kinds, a record being kept of their growth and development. If that wore done they would be able to afford most valuable help to those about to plant on their farms and other places, by demonstrating the varieties most likely to succeed in this district. The gentlemen who had made the liberal offer referred to were also willing to aid in establishing the trial ground for the purpose. He trusted that a beginning w ould, be made this season. We have in the Park a small collection of roses, and witli our limited staff it is quite impossible that the roses can receive the attention they need. There are quite a number of varieties that do well here. He would like to see rose enthusiasts come to the help of the board and make the collection something which the Park might well be proud of. Work of this nature was done by lovers of the queen of flowers in other places, why not here A suggestion had been made to hold a fete on Labour Day to raise funds. He would go further and suggest a carnival extending over several days. If they put forward a bold programme, he felt sure they would get public support. There was urgent need for decent dressing rooms, etc., in connection with the sports grounds. Surely they could do something definite towards that and other matters which had been outlined. He was quite! persuaded that unless they adopted a strong progressive policy they would bo left behind by the other organisations that are working for the improvement of the town. They had under their -charge the most beautiful of all the town’s possessions, and it must be their aim to add to its beauty and charm. Thanks were due to the Citizens’ Band for the concerts given by them, and regret was expressed that they were unable to do more, owing to the exceedingly heavy demand made upon their time. They had done really well and it was hoped that during the coming season a number of evening concerts would be arranged. The balance-sheet showed the receipts to bo £624 7s 4 (inclusive of balance of £7l 10s 8d from previous year), the expenditure £553 7s 3d leaving a credit balance of £7l Os Id. Mr. Bellringer then moved the adoption of the balance-sheet, and that the report ho received, as he wished it to bo more fully discussed at an adjourned meeting to be held on July I. The motion was. seconded by Mr. Hughes and carried. CURATOR’S REPORT The curator (Mr. W. W. Smith) reported that during the last two months the principal work was mowing, grubbing gorse, and the burning of rubbish. The walk from the upper tea rooms had been raised with clay, on the inner service to prevent water from lodging on the surface. The walk on the west side of the lake would be similarly treated when the weather conditions were favourable. Two old pine trees had been removed from the site of the proposed new fernery. Three more exhausted pines required removal, hut he awaited a visit of inspection by the board members before removing them. The trees authorised by the board for purchase were obtained and have been distributed over the park where they will be effectively ornamental in the general blending of the park vegetation in future years. A new flower border and shrubbery has been formed along the west base of Cannon Hill, on the bend of the sports ground. The group of native trees and tree ferns planted eight months ago on the western slope of Cannon Hill, above the newly formed border, are now well established and growing rapidly. Should the board determine to resume control of the sports ground from date, I would suggest that the members pay an official visit to the ground, when all matters pertaining to alterations, improvements and management could be fully discussed. I recommend increasing J. Pickrell’s wages by 6s per week,—The report was adopted. GENERAL.

The arrangements made by the chairman with the Star Football Club for the use of the -sports ground, were confirmed, and the committee to be asked to use its best endeavours to see that no damage was done to the terraces. The proposal to set aside a section of the ground in the Park for the growing of various kinds of gura trees, was approved. A discussion took place on the matter of provision of a room for the use of wo men and children, in which tea could be made and the supply of hot water obtained, also the providing of moveable tables and folding scats', for use cut in tho open. The Mayoress (Mrs. Burgess) stressed the necessity of such provision and instanced similar accommodation in other parks in the town. The park was undoubtedly a most beautiful place to walk through, but nere quite uninviting for picknicking parties, especially for mothers and children. The hoard should endeavour to popularise the grounds by attracting the people and holding functions there, such as was done by other bodies ccntrolling recreation grounds. Until that was done the park would never be as attractive as it should. It was decided to defer further consideration until next meeting, when the annual report will be further considered. It was, decided to recommend the appointment of Mr. W. C. Weston as Government nominee on the board' in place of Mr. S. Percy Smith (designed). Mr. A. Gray tendered his resignation as secretary, which was accepted with regret. Mr. Bellringer referred to the valuable services rendered by the so cretary, and in moving that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded, wished him every success in his new sphere at Hawera.

MrJ . Gray returned thanks to the board for their kindly remarks and the valuable assistance rendered to him by the chairman and members. Mr. Brooker was appointed overseer for the ensuing months. A vote of thanks accorded to the auditor (Mr. E. Holden) terminated the meo ting.