WEST END PARK.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 2 July 1924, Page 8

WEST END PARK.

TENDERS TO BE INVESTIGATED. ADDRESS TO RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION. A well-attended meeting of tho West End Ratepayers’ Association was held in the West School, fast evening, Mi; Yv\ Anderson (deputy chairman) presiding in the absence through illness of the chairman, Mr J. E.' Chiles. Mr Anderson said the executive had held a meeting on June 16, when rules were drawn up for submission to the next general meeting. It had been decided that a deputation should wait upon the, North End and South End Associations to discuss the question of boundaries. The rules as submitted by the executive- were approved. ... ; ....

THE PROPOSED PARK. ' The chairman said that the Borough Council had decided to expend up to £SUUU ai the purchase of land for a West End Park. He understood that Mr J. Anstey, who was present, had brought plans and information with reference to the project, and would address the meeting. Mr Anstey said he wished to congratulate the West End people on having at last formed themselves into an Association;, and he felt sure that, if they kept it up they would do a great deal of good. The development of Timaru had been going westward during the last few' years, and owing to war conditions the streets had been . allowed to get behind in repair. At its last meeting the Council had decided to purchase a motor truck, and it was hoped that as a result of this the street work would be able to be carried , a great deal further back than hereto fore. It was also hoped to get ahead with the kerbing and channelling work, though they would realise that the Council had a big task in front of it, when it was remembered that they had forty miles of streets to look after. The matter of the West End Park had been discussed by the Council, and tenders had been called for land suitable for the purpose. Nineteen replies had been received, which the speaker read to the meeting. At the special meeting of the Council it had been decided to expend £BOOO, on improvements to the bathing facilities at Caroline Bav, in building a new begonia house at the Timaru Park, and in purchasing land for a West End Park, £SOOO of this sum being set aside for the latter purpose. The section most favoured by the Council was Mr Parnell’s, for which the owner asked t £SOOO, on the terms of £SOO deposit, and the , balance by instalments. The only frontage was on to Wai-iti Road, but a frontage could be obtained to Onslow Street, and access' could also be got by way of Alaltbv Avenue. He would suggest that the Association investigate the offers made, and, if necessary, interview the Council. If it wms decided to purchase Air Parnell’s land, which was nine acres 3 roods 38 perches in area, they should insist upon obtaining suitable access. In reply to a question. Air Anstey said that the terms had not been discussed with all the tenderers. The Council could not pay more than £501) for the first year, but both Air King and Air Parnell would agree to these terms. It should not be forgotten that there were two kinds of parks.—picnia places and playing grounds. He thought that it would be a godsend to Tiniaru if there were some small areas set aside for childen’s playing grounds. It was a long way from the West End to Caroline Bay, and it was not possible for children to go there unless they had plenty of time at their disposal. They should consider whether they wanted a picnic ground or a playing ground, or both. Air .Griffin said lie had made a subsequent offer to tlio Council of 28J acres, for £3400. Air Anstey pointed out that the land was not level except in one or twq places, and that was the reason, he thought, that the Council had not been inclined to consider the offer. Air Norrie said he thought htat they were getting too far .-.way front the West School. He favoured making a plavmg ground of Air King’s land at the quarry, which could be made one of the finest grounds in the Dominion. Air Anstey 'said they should get up a committee to investigate all sections, and then interview the II orks Committee of the Borough Council. It was decided on the motion of Air Freeman, that the AI orks Committee should be asked to hold over their decision until the association could make their report. li was also decided that the executive should appoint a committee to investigate th<' sections proposed. and that they should hr* instructed to lovour the purchase oi two small sections in oriTereuco to one large one. Air Anstev was accorded a hearty vote of’ thanks for explaining the position with regard to the uroaosed jjark.