CITY PLAYGROUNDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 2

CITY PLAYGROUNDS.

SYDENHAM PLOT TO BE SOLD. On the question of using the council’s land in Wordsworth Street ss a children’s playground, the Town Clerk, in accordance with a request by Councillor Langley that a report should be furnished on the subject, reported to the City Council last evening. In April last, he stated, in pursuance of a notice of motion by Councillor Ell, the council considered the question of rescinding the resolution authorising the sale of this land and using it for the purpose of a children's playground, and the following report furnished by. the City Surveyor upon the matter was adopted:—“ The remaining plot of land has an area of 3 roods 8 perches. It has a frontage of about a chains tq Wordsworth Street (in ioh street the trams run) and about 60 links frontage on Queen Street. The other sides front on back premises. It does not appear to me at all suitable for a playground. It is .only twenty chains distant from. Sydenham Park (say five minutes’ walk), and 1 think it would be better to sell the land and, if a playground is really needed purchase a suitable plot having a sunny ‘aspect.” Councillor Langley said he certainly objected to the adoption of this report. He would like to see another report made out regarding this piece of land, as it was not in the interests of the city to. sell any of the land it ownedA nice wall could he put round the ground, and seats placed thereCouncillor Peek said that to his mind the place was not sin table for playgrounds. Waltham would be a good place for a playground to bo obtained. Councillor Armstrong said this policy was not one any sane man. could "support- The time had arrived when they should siy stop in regard to parting with any of the lands in their possession. Ho would strenuously oppose selling one inch of land, and probably buyiug it back at a later date at five or six times the price. Councillor Beanland said thev must &rst of all rescind the motion ton the books.

Councillor Hunter said that when imlt'i men into jjower they would find a way to utilise these places. J.h© Mayor pointed out that the adoption ot the report meant the selling of tho piece of -land—councillors must remember that.

The matter went to a. division. M^ydr ?’ ,CC: “ JOU Vot ®> Thacker: “No.” , A voice: “Of course ho would.” Ihe report was adoptedby lOvotea

Among the receipts sat out in the statement-presented, to the, City Gouncu last. evening were included:—Pubo “ft 1 *, 80 ® ’, £ l"° 16s Bd, rates L 453 9s 10d and abattoir £253 6s 4d. In the electrical maintenance account 9? r «d nt ’ e *' c ”-'"' as - edited with £3351