THE PARK.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 11 June 1924, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE PARK.

A REAL BEAUTY SROT,

“The garden tfe§3 are hung- with the shower “That fell ’ere sunset \ new methinks they talk “Lowly and sweetly as befits tho hour* ■“One to another down the grassy walk A In modern times, the need for great open spaces in our cities, where the inhabitants may find rest and relaxation, and where children may play in safety, is widely recognised, and almost every town and city has its public park, more or less beautiful according to the interest taken by the public. In a, young country like New Zealand there was ample opportunity in the laying out of towns to provide for public parks, and every city, and the larger towns, have their beautiful gardens for rest and recreation. . '

In this respect Timaru is no whit behind her sister towns, and the Timaru Park bears favourable comparison with those in much larger centres. Of wide extent, artificially laid out in 1 awns and shrubberios, with rock-bordered and .grass-edged flower beds and tree-lined, gravelled drives, and undulating slopes of greensward, it is a delight to the eye. The first object; which strikes: the visitor entering the Park through the main gates is the fine statue of Fiobert Burns, presented to the citizens of Timaru by the Hon. James Craigie, K.L.C. An artistic design of Scotch thistles, in the form of a Maltese cross radiating from the foot of the statue, greatly enhances its appearance. • Continuing down the drive to the left of the entrance, the visitor comes upon the grass tennis courts, the bowling green and the spacious cricket ground. From this point the ground slopes gently down to a green valley, at the bottom of which lies a trio of artificial lakes, the largest of these reflecting in the mirror of its surface, the trees and shrubs which grow down to the water’s edge on a little island in the, centre of the lake. A number of grey and mallard duck have made their home here, and on the visitor’s approach graceful black swans paddle eagerly to the lakeside in the hope of securing food, which they eat out of one’s hand. One of the finest collections of native shrubs in New Zealand is seen on the southern slope of the hill leading from the main promenade down to the water’s edge, east of the band rotunda and the pretty Tea Kiosk. The trees have done remarkably well and remind one very forcibly that “a thing of beauty is a joy for ever.”

A charming rustic bridge leads across the lower lake, and, continuing to the left, the visitor comes upon an enclosure where stags and hinds look up from their browsing to see that all is safe for them. Evidently expecting some delicacy, the whole family trot fearlessly

to tho wiro and poke iaquMlg mu§il§§ into the viltt®* ! S hhnd:

Reluctantly leaving this beautiful mmet of the Park, and turning northwards, en@ comes to another enolnsure wherein three dignified emu?? stall? un and' down. They, tee, appear to expset the stroller to provide thenywith some refreshment, -gaiing inquiringly at him with flares eyes unden their beetling brews* and making queer booming noises in their throats. Surely they could not be hungry, for few visitors to the Park go unprovided! One wonders if they over Buffer from dyspepsia. Near is tho monkey-house, where in company with an opossum,

“. . . wrapt in solemn silence, sat “That much-maligned progenitor of man,”

A look of infinite wisdom on his wizened face. But only for a moment. Galvanized into activity by the sight of a piece of cake, he slides down a pole to the ground, evoking squeals of delighted laughter from the watching children. Returning towards the entrance, one comes to the swings and roundabouts, toboggan, and gymnastic apparatus, whereon children spend many happy hours; and last among the many attractions of the Park is the far-famed Begonia House. At this time of the year, of course, the house is closed, but in the spring and summer the gorgeous array of delicate lined blooms is a sight not soon to be forgotten, and lovers of flowers may spend hours inspecting the infinite variety of delicately tinted petals. Up to the present, this wonderful display has suffered somewhat through lack of adequate accommodation, but it is not hazarding much to predict that it will not be very long before the begonias will be housed in a building more worthy of them.

Timaru is justly proud of its Park, which, under the expert attention of Mr I). N. Harper (curator), grows more beautiful year by year.