Public Opinion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 102, 3 May 1938, Page 3

Public Opinion

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND SPORTS GROUND Sir.—His Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers, in the course of his speech at the official opening of the State houses on Saturday last said that the State had paid £4500 for land already purchased from the City Council a stipulation being that the council had to purchase more land or improve its parks and reserves. Accordingly the council had purchased 2i acres for extensions to Aramoho Park and carried out improvements there. The balance of the money would be spent m extending and developing other reserves in the city. I wish to direct the attention of the citizens of Wanganui and the incoming council to the question of acquiring the piece of land known as the “Durie Estate” and lying between Portal St. (Wanganui-Fordell Road) and Shakespeare Cliff. The front portion of this property is at present used as a rubbish tip and holding paddock for stock. I am informed that 23; acres are owned by the Consolidated Brick and Pipe Co. and 1 acre, 3 roods 30 perches by Messrs. Freeman R. Jackson and Co.—a total area of about 252 acres. The possibilities of this property for the dual purpose of sports grounds and botanical gardens are unequalled. The frontage adjoining the Esplanade would make a magnificent playing area with comparatively little expense forlevelling, while on the north and south sides there are natural grandstands capable of accommodating many thousands of spectators.

Immediately behind the playing area is a splendid site for botanical gardens. There are flats, easy and steep slopes, at least two line springs, a number of trees both native and exotic with the Purua Stream running through the centre on which, by means of dams, could be cheaply constructed ponds and swimming pools. Our city gardener, Mr. Cox, is most anxious to establish a fernery for the city and where would it be possible to find a better site for such a purpose. Here we have a property which 1 have reason to believe can be secured for the city at a very reasonable cost 10-day, situated less than half a mile from the Post Office, and about 15 chains from the end of the Town Bridge, with three roads of access. Almost in the heart of the city, eminently suitable for the purpose, which at the same time would give Durie Hill and Vale residents and those at the South end of Wanganui East a sports ground that is badly needed. His Worship the Mayor has stated that it is intended to devote the balance of the funds in hand to some such purpose and there is probably more money to come. We have a new City Council shortly coming into office and the present time presents a golden opportunity to secure for the city an unequalled site for playing grounds and botanical gardens, remove an ugly scar from our midst and add yet another beauty spot to what can be made the most beautiful town in New Zealand.—l am. etc., FRED H. ALLEN. April 28, 1938.