HAGLEY PARK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11027, 16 March 1914, Page 3

HAGLEY PARK.

CITY'S BREATHING SPACE. ■■ ' ■ HOW IT COULD BE IMPROVED. J MR H. G. ELL'S SUGGESTIONS. In the summer months when hot dusty days are many, people cannot repress a desire for the open spaces. As a rule the seaside or the hills, perhaps even tho mountains, are often in their minds. Mr H. G. Ell, M,P., is-one of the most ardent lovers of open spaces, and ho sees no reason why Christchurch should not enjoy them. No one doubts tho wisdom of tho founders of Canterbury in setting asido as a park such a magnificent tract _of land. Everyone praises the initiative of those pho planted avenues of trees which to-day are things of beauty the year round. But many people do object to the policy adopted of fencing in these leafy glades with high fences which limit the view of those outside the Park and spoil the vista of those within. Among these objectors Mr Ell takes his stand, but ho has suggestions to put forward for the improvement of tho park; his is not merely destructive criticism. Yesterday afternoon a reporter accompanied'Mr Ell for a walk through the park, and asked him to briefly outline his suggestions. WIRE FENCES INSTEAD OF LIVE HEDGES. "My great objection," he said, "is that these live fences limit the viewtoo much. I want to See this grand park appreciated, but that won t bo while the passers-by can only get glimpses of it as they walk along. In the South Park, along the Riccarton Road, and indeed right round the park, those responsible for planting the trees provided for a shady, walk between the first and second rows, and a drive between the second and third. At the present time a narrow path, practically useless in winter time, runs along between the first row of trees and the straggly hawthorn fence which at short' intervals has to be blocked by stakes. The trees give no shelter, and, in fact, the walk, a very narrow one, merely a track, is not attractive in any way. Mr Ell suggests that .the fence should be removed and a. light sheep-proof fence erected just inside the second row of trees. .A ten-foot path could then be made between the first and second rows, and the result would be a walk practically unequalled in any city in New Zealand. The trees could' be 'cut back a little, and m a few years an avenue, very like that much admired avenue in Rolleston Avenue, would extend right round the P jiisfc bevond tho cricket ground a small stream runs across the path and a small bridge could be erected to replace .the unsightly, unsafe construction that now has great difficulty in hanging together. From a point beyond the creek the path is fairly wide and well formed. There is an extra line ot trees, mostly magnificent silver birch, so that from there to the corner opposite the hotel nothing is needed but the removal of the fence and the tilling in of the storm-water drain which is alongside the path. THE WEST BELT BOUNDARY. The path leading south parallel with the west belt lies between the rows of trees, and the effect is very line indeed—a magnificent avenue. , But anyone passing to and from Riccarton cannot- see the glories of that avenue, because a very high live fence cuts off nil view of the park. The passenger on the trams obtains a fleeting glimpse of the avenue, and then a full view of an unattractive metal road. H ere the fenco removed and the dram filled in anyone coming into the city would be able to see and doubtless appreciate the great lines of trees and the shady avenues and the wide spread of the reserve. If the path round the park were made similar- to that along the western boundary, it would be a walk of which any. city might well be proud.

IN THE NORTH PARK. The North Park,'Mr Ell suggested, should be treated in the same manner. At the present time there is no footpath inside the park from Carlton bridge to the Riccarton gate, yet the avenue of trees is there purposely planted for a walk. Here again the removal of the fence and the substitution of a light fence inside the second row would make a great difference. At one place just south of the entrance gate near the tennis courts there is a line path running down a magnificent avenue, but the beauty is marred by an old fence, of poor rotten posts, fortunatelv only a temporary affair. The path could be continued right down to the entrance of the Acclimatisation ground. The removal of the fence would give, passers-by, whether on foot or in the tramcars, a splendid view of the Botanic Gardens and many lovely •dimpses of the river. It would add to the appearance of the park in every way five an uninterrupted view and altogether would make the park more

impressive. THE PIONEERS' FORESIGHT IN VAIN. "I feel very strongly about this," Mr Ell added. "Our pioneers laid out this park, planted these avenues and with magnificent foresight made provision for the future. Yet we are losing all the benefits. Here is the park, a place unknown to hundreds of citizens. Here are beauties hidden away. Open them out, I say. Let the park be what it should be, the glory of the city. What an improvement it would be to Riccarton Road, with uninterrupted views of the park on either side and shady walks, with grass growing right down to the cycle track. Ihe ot the fence would not be great provided a light fence were put up with angle iron'posts, say, every thirty feet. The cost would not exceed £2 per chain, whereas the fence erected by the Board on the Lincoln Road cost between £8 and £lO a chain. With a cutter the grass along the paths could be cut easily and the Board would save the cost'of trimming the hedges." HOW NOT TO DO THINGS.

Lincoln Road, Mr Ell added, was an example of how not to do things. The hedge had been removed to Selwyn Street and a costly fence put up inside the first row of trees. The gravel path had been extended and the total result was to add <i large area to the dust-producing surface of an already dusty road. The fence, although a good one, spoiled the appearance of the avenue that was planted years ago for the very purpose of providing a properly sheltered walk. The Board could not even carry the fence right along to the corner because of the heavy cost. Where the big new path was should be

grass, and the Board should have followed Itolleston Avenue in drawing up its plans. The result would have been a glorious shady walk, with a greatly improved frontage to the park. Many results would accrue if some such progressive policy were carried into effect. For one thing, the removal of the present fences would make the park more open and decent people would not object to going for a stroll in it in the evening, as they now did. That was only one of the benefits that would ac-

crue. The walk through the park certainly showed that there was much need for

improvement. The hedges were being trimmed; but iu the drive in the South Park was an old boiler fdled with wire and tins and paper wore dotted here and there. At places it looked as though the- Board had set aside- areas to grow cocksfoot, and the general appearance under the trees loft much to be desired. Elsewhere were seen a sign-