TIMARU PARK AND GARDENS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18008, 13 July 1928, Page 3 (Supplement)

TIMARU PARK AND GARDENS

"There is beauty in a lily, and there’s beauty in the hills, There is 'beauty in the blossoms wet with dew the morning spills.” What citizen of Timaru does not speak-with pride and pleasure of the Park, with its bright garden plots and beautiful native trees and shrubs? Timaru is recognised as being one of the most beautiful of the sea-side resorts, and no small part has been played .in the attainment of that proud position by Nature’s bounteous gifts which are to be found in plenty within the confines of the Park. From the very earliest times, the 50 acres of land which form the Park have been one of the town’s best assets, and while'the citizens prefer to adopt .a modest attitude towards.it, hundreds of visitors' year in and year out are so struck by its beauty-that they never fail to acclaim it as without equal in the Dominion.’ While adding immensely to the natural beauty of the town, this fine area serves yet another valuable purpose, and that is that it affords the citizens ideal facilities for rest and relaxation, and

well-patronised during the summer. Adjacent to these is the Park Bowling green and pavilion, and a little further on still is a wide playing area, utilised in the summer by cricketers, and in the winter by hockey enthusiasts. It is possible for the visitor to continue along the main drive at this point, and looking to the south he secures a beautiful panoramic view of the remainder of the Park. From where he stands the ground slopes gently away for some distance, coming to a’halt at one of the water lily-covered ponds. In the summer this pond presents a most attractive appearance, for the lilies are then arrayed in their brightest hues. There are three varieties, red, white and yellow, and when they are in full bloom, they present a never-to-be-forgotten picture. The southern slope of the hill leading down to this pond is densely covered with native shrubs, whose beauty is reflected in the" mirror-like surface of the pond.

proach, tho graceful black swans paddle eagerly to the lakeside in quest of food, and they are soon surrounded by an army of ducks, who dart hither and thither after the morsels thrown them. On again in an easterly direction one passes the band rotunda, erected by the sports bodies of the town, and the lily pond, viewed previously from the level ground above. Crossing a charming mstic bridge access is gained to a big enclosure on the southern slope, which is the home of stags and hinds. Level ground is once more attained, and here are to be found the buildings which were once the home of monkeys and opossum, the latter not long since liberated. Timaru is justly proud of its Park, which grows in beauty year by year. It is interesting to note that the trees surrounding the Park were planted by prison labour, and prisoners also did a lot of levelling there. Mr W. .1. Lister did the first ploughing in the Park, using a single-fur-row plough, the two horses which drew the plough being led by Mr George Bently, who is still living in Timaru. It is only a few years since that part of the Park on the hill-side south of the ornamental waters was beautified; formerly it was used for | grazing and for growing potatoes. ! While the Borough Council has never lost sight of the necessity for keeping the Park up to the requirements of the town, it has been materially assisted in this by the Park Floral Fete Committee, which altogether has contributed the very substantial sum of £ISOO towards the cost of improvements made there in recent years. HISTORY OF EVENTS. The early ploughing of the Park was done by Mr John Lister, about 60 years ago, and the fencing was done by Robert Ferguson and Thomas Reid, under contract. Improvements to the Park for some

After lire departure of Mr Cross in 1905, Mr C. Brown had charge for two years, and then the late Mr G. Knowles had control for the next three years. It was in the latter’s time that the tennis courts were put down, and following these, in 190 S, the cricket area and the bowling green were laid down. Mr D. N. Harper, the present Curator, took charge in 1910, and during his term, vast improvements have been effected. In 1909 the southwest portion was laid down in grass. In 1912 the Band Rotunda rvas erected and the hollow in which it stands was improved. In 1913 the south-east portion was laid down in grass and planted. The Native garden was planted and laid out in the following year, and the rustic bridge was also erected in 1914. During the war period,

gives to the children ample room for recreation without danger from any source. In the early days the need for such spaces was not pressing, for there were great stretches of land to the north, south and west, which had not been- utilised for commercial or residential purposes. ' The City Fathers of 1869, realising that the town must grow, and recognising also that future generations would possibly feel the need of recreation areas, asked the Provincial Council to set aside 50 acres of land in the south portion of the town, and from, that time on the land has been the property of the citizens.

The first commissioners to control the Park, Messrs S. Hewlings, P. B. Luxmoore and H. Belfield, were appointed on February 12, 1869. From July 1 to. December 31 of the following year, £923 was spent on beautifying the.area, but since that time a great deal more has been expended. And it has been money well spent. Through the centre of the Park ran one of the - many gullies which intersected the town, and attention was flrßt turned to this, with the idea of converting it into miniature lakes. The general, lay-out of the area lent itself admirably to beautification schemes, and everywhere to-day is apparent the touch of the masterhand of the Curator (Mr D. N. Harper). Entrance, to the Park is to be had from many points, but the main entrance is recognised as the double gates adjacent to the intersection of King and Queen Streets. Two things strike the eye immediately the visitor is inside the gates. The first is

years were carried out entirely by prison labour, under ithe supervision of Mr R. Hislop, who was appointed by the 1 Government. At the conclusion of Mr Hislop’s term, Mr Simmonds took charge, and he exercised control up to about 1888. Mr G. Cross was the next caretaker, his term extending from 1888 to 1905. It was at the latter end of Mr Simmonds’s period that control of the Park was handed over by the Government to the Borough Council. Shortly after the advent of Mr Cross, the drives and ornamental waters were formed, and at the same time a further tree planting scheme was undertaken. Up till 1900 a portion of the land was let for grazing purposes, but in 1900 this was stopped, and the system of cultivation and finally laying out was put in hand.

But we must move on a few paces. Here we come to a fine tea kiosk, the erection of which was brought about by the efforts of the Park Floral Fete Committee. The appointments are of the very best, and generous and dainty service is available- all the year round. Continuing along the drive, which is adorned with seasonal plants, the visitor arrives back at the Burns Memorial. The end is not yet, however. Dropping suddenly to the south is yet another drive, which leads to the children’s playground, where ample provision has been made for healthy recreation. Swinging off to the left, one traverses a stretch to yet another pond, which is the home of grey, paradise and mallard duck, black swan and geese. At the visitor’s ap-

minor improvements only were carried out. In 19 21 the Tea Kiosk was erected. The first propagating house, which was really a concrete pit, with a glass roof, was erected in Mr Hislop’r, time, and was 9 feet by 6 feet. Mr Cross had his own glass houses, and he removed them when he left. In 190 6 the propagating house was increased to 25 feet by 12 feet, and in 1913, the house, which had by this time grown to 50 feet by 12 feet, was turned into a Begonia house. The present Begonia house, which was erected in 19 25, is 60 feet by 24 feet. At the time this was erected, additions were made to the old house, but even now the Curator finds himself cramped for space.

a line two-storied bungalow, surrounded ]by an artistically, laid out garden, which is the residence of the Curator. Immediately ahead on the triangle formed by the intersection of the drives, stands the beautiful Carrara marble statue of Robert Burns, the gift of the Hon. James Craigie, M.L.C., to the citizens of Timaru.. Of artistic design, the statue bears comparison with any of the kind in any part of the Empire, and its presence right at the entrance to the Park adds immensely to the beauty of the general surroundings. From this point three avenues of progress offer themselves, each leading to spots of beauty and interest. By keeping to the left, however, the visitor finds himself moving along a gravel drive, with well-kept lav/ns on either hand, backed by native trees, shrubs and cultivated garden plots. Within a minute he espies on his right a big glass covered structure, which is none other than the farfamed Begonia House. For many years Timaru has been renowned for the excellence of its begonias, which were for long displayed in the propagating houses adjacent to the Curator’s residence. Came the time when the accommodation proved inadequate to do justice to the displays, and the Borough Council, assisted -by the Floral Fete Committee, took steps to provide more commodious and up-to-date surroundings. The present site was selected, and the Begonia House, of sufficient size to meet requirements for many years, was erected. In the cummer season when the begonias are in full bloom, the house is the rendezvous of hundreds of citizens and visitors, who find it necessary to make several visits to the Park before full appreciation of the wonderful beauty of

the flowers is obtained. In the offseason the begonias are replaced by winter garden bowers of almost equal beauty, co that practically ail the year round there is something of interest to be found. When distinguished visitors visit the town, a trip to the Park and the Begonia House is ono of the first items set down cn the programme cf entertainment. Leaving the Begonia House, but with some reluctance, the visitor secs the grass tennis courts, which arc

FROM BARREN HILLSIDE TO PLACE OF ENTRANCING BEAUTY

THE WAR MEMORIAL. ■ Standing at the head of Memorial Avenue, lormerly known as Charles Street, is a beautiful memorial column, erected by the -citizens of South Canterbury to the men who laid down their lives in the Great War. The column will ted its own story down through'the ages. It will stand as a symbol of sympathy with the bebreaved, and with those who suffei’tm in the war; it will stand as a silent witness of the gratitude of the citizens for duty nobly done; and it will stand as an inspiration to the generations to come to' do their duty to their country, and to uphold the principles of righteousness, truth, and justice, on which the British Empire is based. The memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, 192(1, by the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, in the presence of thousands of citizens. In the first place, some difficulty was experienced in selecting a suitable site, but eventually the present location was agreed on. The total sum collected for tm* erection of the edifice was £4407 4s 4d, but there was added to this accrued interest amounting to £9ll. Collecting and other expenses totalled £425 13s, leaving a balance of £4892 19s Id, every penny of which has been spent on the memorial and its surroundings. The base of the memorial has been beautifully laid out in garden plots, and these are one of the-beauty spots of the Park.

The memorial takes the form of a Corinthian marble column resting on a granite pedestal, the supreme feature being a bronze cross surmounting the shaft. Its beauty is added to■when it is examined and its symbolism noted. Even the choice of stone has been symbolic. The lower base is composed of the hard volcanic rock of South Canterbury, native of the soil from which the soldiers came. Above is a pedestal of grahitc reaching to the bottom of the column, the hard granite representing endurance. Next is the column itself. This is of marble, chosen not on'y for its beauty, but also for its association with monuments since the most ancient times. The shaft of the column is fluted as e, symbol of ruggedness, and to carry the eye upwards, and for one-third of the length of the shaft are reeds representing the spears of dead warriors. The pedestal of the capital is encircled with garlands of laurel leaves representing victory, and in tho base of flic cross are four flambeaux, indicative of the unquenchable naturo of victory. Above again is a garland of laurel leaves, underneath the orb which represents temporal power, while the bold cross surmounting all proclaims the sacrifice which the soldiers made, and their triumph over earthly power. The cross is of Greek design, nine feet high, bringing the highest point of the monument GO feet above the pavement'.

THE “TIMARU HERALD.”

“FOURTH ESTATE” GROWS UP. Sixty-four years ago last month the “Timaru Herald” first saw the .light or day. The first edition Wa§ prjflted in a detached kitchen of : llby'se in George Street, which had been Converted into a rude printing ciffice, ami quite a /large crowd, as crowds then meant, assembled to receive the “first/ and only district journal in Canterbury.” In the early days the type was all hand set, and the printing, process was of the old Albion description, operated by pulling a lever. The'first issue was hut a small sheet) and tim speculation which must have boon rife regarding its merits and demerits may well he imagined. For Timaru, as it then was, the little paper no doubt fi led all requirements, and, the Editor made haste to remind the I first subscribers that the paper was twice the size of the London “Thunderer,” when that journal made its appearance. Messrs. A. G. Horton, and Ho., were the first newspaper ntonriotovs oftnc ‘‘Herald,” Mr Hoi-toh ;aftoV}vards'- becoming one of the ptoprietors 1 of ■ the “New Zealand Herald.” Tho “Co.” was represented by Mr F. Younghusband, Mr F. Osborn ■'beiiT^ T: ?the'r- ! fir>t/ printer. Finding the first preiiiiftfeg-. too small, the proprietors hiovod further up George Street, and later had rrmoffice, which was burned outj hvherc ,the''Rendezvous refreshment rooms now stand. The first part of the presentfbuilding was erected in 18S5, and additions have ben made since from "‘lime- 'tftfM-time. The price of the “Herald”-.. ip. 'the early part of its history was 6d.-, and probably this was often grumbled; a t but it had to be remembered that'-the necessaries of life in those fairly dear. The-“Herjild’s” pagestdid service out of proportion to their.-size in focussing attentions upon ' schemes of progress, strengthening among'the scattered settlers the idea mon hope and purpose, • suggesting, criticising, and encouraging jnibho schemes for , the improvement' township . and South garding the promotioiV\gf„jtlie.. jiapp?ness and prosperity of;the cpnjmunity, the proprietors had definite ideas/, of what was needed, and' the journal's views were set forth nfceklyMiC a'clea r .and vigorous pen. When thc v btg‘;,fire broke out in 186 S, therecally no means of resisting-it,‘'aficliall the important buildings of--,the to.iyn, including the ‘‘Herald” officeT-Wei’eido-st roved. The circulation of/, the tpitpor increased rapidly fronj- this;-time,Vend the following agents were appointed:— Mr ,T. Younghusband, Christchurch; Mr E. Mills, Lyttelton; Mr J. D. Garwood, Akaroa. Subsequently “.’ agents were appointed at Temuka- ,(Mr T. Copestake), AVaimate '(Manchester' qml Co.), and Arowhenua (Mr DT’Foi’gusson). By the time the “Herald’’; Was a year old it was able to boast! that the total number of bad increased three-fold. There had been' changes in the control of Hie “Herald” during its first year of -existence, caused through the temporary.-depart-ure from the district of Mr* Hort-n. The names of Mr F. E. Ychiiglhisband and Mr J. Simpson appearedrin':its imprint as successive proprietors,j.- hub at tho beginning of its second year of life, Mr Horton returned to control. At this time there was no telegraph service and the news of the “Herald” consisted of local items, reports-of district correspondents, and various articles from other New-Zealand-pap-ers. In July, 1865, enme- tho electric telegraph to Timaru, but for a- time it worked badly. On the dn'te named, the “Herald” contained its first pagu of telegraphic news, despatched from tho Bluff, which was a summary of news that had arrived at fhbi southernmost port, from England, The telegraphic news increased in quantity until

gradually it formed an important proportion of the paper’s contents. When Hie “Herald” was just two years old, it began to be issued as a bi-weekly cf four pages, and Mr Herbert Selfield joined Mr Horton in proprietorship. From tho paper’s third birthday the size of the pages were enlarged, and the price reduced from 6d. to 3d. In 1870 the paper became a tri-weeklv, and in the following year, Mr Horton dropped out of the proprietory, leaving it to Mr Bellield. From time to time further enlargements of the pages were made, the first Saturday supplement being issued in the form of a small inset, containing three columns of news matter, on October 21, 1871. In 1876 the paper became a daily, and in the ’eighties it was sold to a Company, whose management was not successful. They first leased it to Mr Joseph Ives, and after ho had held it for a year, the paper was purchased by the late Mr E. G. Kerr, in May, 1887. Since then the “Herald” has flourished under consistent; management, editorial and commercial, and its size, prosperity, and influence have steadily increased. On October 7, 1912, a new printing paint was installed, and the paper was issueu for the first time as the only provincial daily 12-pnge paper in New Zealand. Within a few years this size became too small for the demands of the news and advertising space, and the paper was further increased on three days a week to a sixteen page edition. On October 3, 1924, the “Herald” was issued as a 16-page daily, and twelve months ago a further forward step was taken, when the Saturday’s issue was increased to 24 pages. During its career, the “Herald” has had unusually few changes of editorship. Mr Horton was editor for seven years, and their followed Mr Belfieid. Mr Edward Wakefield was editor from I M 4 until 1884, and Mr AY. H. Triggs until April, 1886, when he resigned. At this time the paper changed hands, the next editor being Mr G. G. Fitzgerald. In 1904 Mr AY. D. Campbell succeeded Air Fitzgerald, and in 1910, when Air Campbell retired to take up the profession of law, Air AY. F. Alexander was appointed to the office. In 1920 Air Oliver Duff filled the editorial chair for a brief period. Air F. Baume occupied the position, and the present editor. Air A. E. Lawrence, was appointed in June, 1923. On the managerial side, Air E. U. Kerr has been associated with tho paper lor over 30 years. He joined the office staff on leaving school and occupied tho position of Accountant, and then Manager. He became Chairman of Directors on his father’s decease. Air AI. J. Doyle joined the staff as Accountant in 1901. In 1905 he was appointed Advertising Alanager, and a few years later was appointed General Alanager. LACK OF AVATER. In tho early days of Timaru there was a very real difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply of water, with which to fight a fire of any magnitude. On one occasion when the promises or a baker, tailor, and confectioner were ablaze, the hose had only been playing for two minutes when tho water gave out, the well front which it was being obtained being nearly empty. A trial was made of two other wells, without success in obtaining water and attempts to quell the conflagration liaa to bo abandoned. To prevent the spread of the fire the house adjoining, a small wooden one, was emptied of its furniture and dragged clear of the flames.

The first borough balance sheet contains reference to a “hard labour gang.” The hard labour referred to was prison labour.

Mr Fraser has completed 25 years in business in Timaru and has built up a reputation for honesty and reliability. His stock provides an extremely wide selectioiOn Watches and Clocks, etc., at prices which assure you of the best possible value for your money. Mr Fraser wishes to thank his many, customers for their patronage during the past quarter of a century, grids. bqgs to solicit a continuance of the same esteemed patronage, assuring all of his unfailing courtesy and attention at all times. Ilis motto-»-“A square deal every time”—suggests that this is the best place to- buy Jeweilery.