PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14536, 7 December 1920, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed Dy correspondents, Whose letters ase welcome, but for whone views we have no responsibility. DAIRY FARMERS' UNION. (To the Editor.,) Sir, —Re Dairy Farmers' Union, I wish to state, briefly, in reply to Messrs Feor and "Federate" that, irrespective of what they state, cards and pamphlets were distributed to all delegates-early ih Farmers' Union conference representing the Dairy Farmers' Union. The reason given at the conference to M: Fear's request to address same was that on account of a very large agenda paper there was no time available fov his address. Th e delegates from the branches of the Farmers' Union decided Ihus, and not exclusively the executive, as our oppositionists imply. "Federate" ir. rather sarcastic regarding my position as a dairyman. Sir, my desire was to show all dairy farmers, large or small, that they are well represented on the executive and not as has been stated by the promoters of the Dairy Farmers' Union. The experience ani interest which the great majority of the Farmers' Union executive have in the dairy industry should be a sufficient guarantee that the dairy farmer's interests are well safeguarded. It is mei such as Messrs Glass, Lusk, Boddie, Ross, Duxfleld and others who have brought the Farmers' Union through the experimental stages a»d who have been unceasing in their efforts to bettor the conditions of all farmers, more particularly dairy farmers, who count. The thinking farmers realise this, and i o bombastic appeals will shake their confidence, as shown by our new membership.—l am, etc., W. H. ALLEN, Tirau, December 6, 1920. TOWN HALL SITE. (To the Editor.) Sir, —The time is not far distaat when the question of a Town Hall will be a vital one in our municipal politics. The present accommodation is unsatisfactory from an administrative standpoint, and as a symbol and centre of our municipal pride and greatness the present building is altogether unworthy. On several occasions recently our public men have made reference to the future site, and I have gathered the impression that Garden Place is regarded as the most suitable position in Hamilton for our civic home. I have come to the conclusion that to place the Town Hall in Garden Place would be a profound mistake, and I venture to make an alternative suggestion. I assume that, if it is available, the Town Hall should be built on a site which has the following attributes —(1) It should be central; .'(2) it should have adequate size, that architecture shall have free scope and ail utilities be provided for; (3) .t should have free and ample access and approach that vehicular traffic at civic functions may be easily controlled and the transport provided for; (4) it should stand by itself where its proportions may be seen, unobstructed by other buildings, especially by buildings of a more sordid type.

It is very curious that we have not realised that there is" a - site which has every one of these desirable features, and a few others besides. Look at the map of Hamilton, throw a bridge over the river at Rosstrevor or London street, and then ascertain the virtual geographical centre of Hamilton. It will fall, :f 'anything, nearer to the corner of Seddon Park and London street than to Garden Place. Between London street and Rosstrevor street there lies a large triangular block, surrounded jy road frontage, at the apex of which London street, Rosstrevor street, Norton road, Seddon road, King street and Seddon terrace meet. It is *t;entral enough, it is large enough, its access i? well nigh perfect, it stands by itself always surrounded by reserves. It has other virtues. It is not in the hands of the land speculator, but of the Domain Board; but.it is essentially a building site, too small for a playing field, large enough to give space for protecting trees. It has been proposed by the Domain Board that tl.is site should be used as a children's playground. At first glance the proposal looks attractive. I think, however, that the Domain Board ought to be easily persuaded that the idea is wrong. A children's playground should not be placed on a site where motors are whirling on every side. If there were no better use for the ground it would still be unsuitable for a children's playground. Besides, Seddon Park and the tennis grounds f!ank it, and will give the children of the neighbourhood quite a fair share of open space. Children's playgrounds arc wanted in the congested areas, njt so much in the very heart of the domain reserves. If, however, a reserve is specially dedicated to children, obviously it should not be in the very centre of traffic. Ido not suggest that the Domain Board should give up the reserve for nothing; but I do suggest that it is possible for the Borough to make a bargain with the Domain Board which may well be of great advantage to each in carrying out its respective duties. How does Garden Place compare? It is not more central. It may be debatable whether as, shall wo say, r. "centre of convenience" Garden Place would not at present have a slight advantage. It would' perhaps be more convenient for paying rates and making inquiries. But at that point every advantage would swing towards the towri belt. Where is traffic to stand and how is it to be controlled at civic functions? The cars and omnibuses empty themselves in Victoria street. When our traffic has troubled, where are they to go? Then, I take it, old and young would have to climb steps to reach a building of which the proportions would be ldst. Ido not say the-e are no architectural possibilities, but for such a spot your architect would be a genius, and Garden Place is very beaiitiful as it is. Besides which the area is restricted and difficult. 1 rather think the case is complete. One could be tempted to believe that Providence had intervened to settle all doubts and difficulties for our City Fathers.—l am, etc., F. A. de la MARE. Hamilton, December G, 1920.