rnwall Park.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XX, 14 November 1903, Page 58

rnwall Park.

Al’l’RlJ i lON OF THE GIFT. RESOLUTION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCU WELLINGTON, November 3. Sir John L<>gau Campbell’s muniliceut gift of Cornwall Park to the colony of New Zealand was the subject of eulogy in the Legislative Council this afternoon, when the Hon. R. H. J. Reeves moved: “That this Council" desires to place on record its appreciation of Sir John Logan Campbell’s munificent gift of Cornwall Park to the people of New Zealand.” Mr. Reeves, in a speech which throughout expressed high appreciation of the gift, said that Sir John Campbell had given a worthy example which he hoped would be followed in other parts of New Zealand. The gift comprised over 304 acres, and was of anestimated value ol a-quarter of a million, while in years to come, perhaps in 20 years, it would be worth over a million of money. It was fitting that as the gift was for the whole of the people of New Zealand, and not only of Auckland, that it should be acknowledged by the legislature, and that by a unanimous vote. Sir John was a type of the colonial who made the Empire broad and generous minded. Some years ago he had given an area of 114 acres on Maungakiekie, and with the recent gift the total value would be not less than £300,000. From its intrinsic pictur-

esqueness. and the beautiful panorama obtainable from points of vantage, the Park was one of the most beautiful in the world. Sir George Grey had frequently referred to the unborn millions. Well, those unborn millions would have cause to bless Sir John Campbell for his hiagnificeut gift, end it was fitting that Parliament sliould at the time place on record its appreciation of the gift. Sir John was one of nature’s noblemen, one of the nobleat we had ever had in the colony. Sir Alfred Cadman, in supporting the resolution, expressed the feeling that it came with a better grace from one outside of the Auckland district, showing that the gift was appreciated by those who would derive little direct benefit from the Park. One splendid feature of the gift was that its donor made provision for its up keep for all time. It was a pity that more people in making philanthropic gifts, did not do so during their lifetime, and thus see the results of their generosity, and avoid the trouble which frequently arose in connection with bequests. The Hon. T. Thompson had known Sir John for 48 years, and said that no better colonist had ever entered New Zealand. He agreed with Sir Alfred Cadman that the motion was the more graceful in that it came from a member not residing in Auckland. Mr. Thompson concluded by referring to the pleasure which it gave Sir John to see the. citizens enjoying themselves on his magnificent gift.

The Attorney-General heartily supported the resolution, and expressed the hope that the splendid example given by Sir John would be followed by those in other parts of the colony who were in a position to do so. He did not know whether it was the effect of the

climate or the lovely surroundings, but at all events there was something about Auckland which induced to benevolence and munificence. He recalled the splendid gifts to the city in the past, including *hose of Sir G. Grey, Mr. J. T. MeKelvie. Messrs. Costley, Dilworth, and Mrs. Boyd. These were examples of what private individuals might do for the public good, and he thought it quite right that the legislature should pass such a resolution as had been proposed. The Hon. W. Bee ban agreed with the Attorney-General that Auckland was indeed fortunate in the gifts which had been made to it, some of which were rendered the more valuable in that they had been presented during the lifetime of the donor. Nothing that he could say would add more to the lustre of Sir John Campbell's name than his own actions had given. The magnificent gift was far ahead of some of the best known parks in the Southern Hemisphere. and when improvements already foreshadowed and provided for by the donor had been carried out, the city of Auckland would have one of the finest parks in the world. The motion was unanimously adopted, and the Speaker was requested to forward a copy of it to Sir John Logan Campbell.