THE RACECOURSE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160730, 17 August 1920, Page 4

THE RACECOURSE

The enthusiasm evoked by local citizens who are anxious to see the Racecourse retained as a hmg for the city is most commendable. We would that the same keen interest were displayed in furthering the interests of the burgesses in other reserves throughout Wanganui and suburbs. “Herald” readers will recall recent attempts to interfere with the vacant plot fronting the Drill Hall (on which it was proposed to erect the Library and Museum) and to hand over a piece of the St. John’s Hill reserve for hostel purposes, both of which were strongly resisted by this journal. If another suitable site can be found for the railway station, without penalising the business community and general public, such as would inevitably happen in the event of the station being removed to Wanganui East or Aramoho, the “Herald” will be delighted to give the proposal its support. We are as anxious as anyone to see our reserves preserved, and in previous issues when discussing the suitability of the Racecourse for railway station purposes, have strongly} emphasised the necessity for providing other recreation grounds in the vicinity on land which is already owned by the borough and which will be used for building purposes in the ordinary course of events. We are as strongly opposed to reducing the area of our reserves as the mc4t outspoken! critic of the Racecourse proposal. But, as has been previously pointed out, the utilisation of a portion of the Racecourse for railway station purposes, need not necessarily reduce the lung capacity of the city. There is plenty of land available near the Racecourse for recreation reserves. Whatever happens in the future, it is intended to cut the Racecourse into two grounds, by the partial or complete extension of Ingestre Street; and, that being so, the fast of having another recreation ground in a locality not now provided with one would be a distinct advantage. As to the objection about closing Jackson Street, we repeat that that difficulty could easily be obviated, to the satisfaction of all concerned, by the construction of a subway under the railway lines.