The Waipa Post. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1913. TE AWAMUTU DOMAIN.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 257, 21 October 1913, Page 2

The Waipa Post. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1913. TE AWAMUTU DOMAIN.

AS will be noticed by a report appearing in our columns to-day, the Te Awamutu Domain Board has resolved to place the domain lands under offer for grazing purposes to the various auctioneering firms. The announcement will occasion much surprise, especially in view of the fact that the board was treating with a committee of district residents, who desire the establishment of show grounds at Te Awamutu, and whose chances of success are indeed remote unless the assistance and co-operation of the Domain Board is given. It will be remembered that the" show committee approached the Domain Board with the request that the two bodies co-operate as landlord and tenant with a view to the erection of suitable yards and buildings. After a delay of some months the Board has resolved to treat with auctioneering firms, and, for a time at all events, place itsUands beyond the reach of the show committee or any other public institution likely to use the park. As to negotiations between the show committee and the Domain Board since the conference at which building arrangements were considered, we have no knowledge. Has anybody else ? The show committee has apparently lost some of its earlier enthusiasm and allowed matters to remain in abeyance. But that does not in any way justify the Board’s action. A dozen public clubs and societies in Te Awamutu are sore pressed for adequate grounds, and the termination of the lease of the grazing rights of this park — which has now expired —has been anxiously awaited. Any proposal to place these grounds, which are so admirably situated arid so very.much required, beyond public reach for a further term will undoubtedly raise a strong public protest. Of much importance is the question of grazing paddocks in conjunction with the local stock sales, but there are other grounds equally as suitable and conveniently situated in the district, and despite the importance of the question which the Domain Board has hoped to solve by hawking its property to the auctioneering firms, the public will rightly oppose any proposed sacrifice of its domain lands for that purpose. The termination of the lease, which in the past has prevented public use of these grounds, opens the way for the improvement and beautifying of Albert Park, and we hope that the show committee and the kindred sporting institutions which have awaited the opportunity of gaining admission to these lands, will co-operate in an endeavour to stay the granting of any further lease to private individuals and strive for the speedy beautifying of these lands which are badly needed as public playgrounds for Te Awamutu.