TOWN CLERK’S REPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 116, 20 May 1942, Page 3

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT

VIRGINIA LAKE POPULAR FEES 1 ROM MOTOR CAMPS DOWN Principal civic events during the 1941-42 year, including the visit of the Governor-General, Sir Cyril New- j all, and Lady Newall, on July 17, i were referred to by the town clerk j (Mr. White). He commented also on ; the valuable educational work being ’ carried out by the Serjeant Gallery, ' and the popularity of Virginia Lakt ' Reserve. “During the year the Sarjeant Gal- I lery has occupied, perhaps, a special ; place in the lives of the community,” : Mr. White added. “In these days of | anxiety the thoughts of many wish to ; turn to those things which are free from discord and tension, and in this ' cultural home they find refreshment i for the mind. Public patronage | throughout the year has been marked and it is noticeable that the citizens have visited the institution in considerable numbers. Especially has this welcome position referred to the pupils of city schools and to those from schools' further afield. Their appreciation has been keen, while the interest displayed is encouraging for the future. “A gift picture exhibition was held from July 25 to August 3. This was highly successful, a number of works being sold to swell the funds of the National Patriotic Fund Board. Mr. White added that interest in Virginia Lake Reserve continued unabated. Residents were not slow to observe the progress being made in the beautification of this botanical and scenic attraction. During the year steady headway had been made with difficult developmental work. “The Centennial Memorial Winter Garden,”’ he said, “with its peaceful and picturesque surroundings, has drawn several thousands of visitors, and it is probably correct to slate that the pride of local residents in this attraction is now such that in the great majority of cases their visits in the course of a year are numerous. The motor-car parking area, laid out in conformity with the general scheme, is a boon to the motoring public, and is in great demand, es-; pecially at week-ends and on holidays.” As to be expected under prevailing conditions fees from the Aramoho; and Castlecliff motor camps had shown a further decline. The future of motor camping could not be other than assured, but meanwhile, in common with other luxuries, this amenity could not escape the impact of severe reaction. "An area of land on the outskirts of the city, approximately 2« acres in i extent, would appear to lend itself I for the purposes of afforestation. I Were a policy of such a far-reaching ‘ character practicable, having regarc. | to locality, soil and availability for. long-term use, the value of trees ' grown in, say 20 years, should prove i it to be a sound commercial propo- I sition,” Mr. White added.