RECREATION RESERVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2614, 23 September 1909, Page 6

RECREATION RESERVES.

DEPUTATION TO THE BOROUGH

COUNCIL. Ad the meeting of the Borougn Council last night a deputation from the East Coast Trades and Labor Council was introduced by Cr. Darton, who explained that the object of the deputation was to lay before tlie Council the desirability of the establishment of central reserves for the purposes of recreation. Mr. J. H. 'Hall urged upon the Council the necessity' of providing a central place of interest in the shape of, say, botanical gardens. He thought that such a course would tend to the betterment and happiness of the people of the town. Ho suggested the enlarging of the present recreation ground by the purchase of the adjoining plot, at present occupied by a Chinaman’s garden. The Trades Council had decided to lay the project before the Council for its consideration. The lot in question was for sale. Mr. Spurdle referred to the lack of accommodation in the recreation ground, and said that the City Band could not go there regularly on account of this fact. He suggested_ metalling and other improvements in the vicinity. Mr. W. Jackson referred to the great need of Gisborne for such a recreation ground as was suggested. This was all the more, since the houses were being built so much more closely together. The general opinion of the workers was that If the place was central a loan for the purpose would no doubt bo carried unanimously. Wliat they wanted mere than a sports ground was a place where a man could go with his family and spend a pleasant afternoon amongst the shrubs a.nd flowers. Mr. Catton compared tlie position at Napier and Gisborne, and claimed that if the additional plot were purchased the ground could be used for both a. botanical garden and recreation purposes. Mr. D. Wilson also spoke, and referred to the need for mental as well as physical recreation. The former could l>e provided by means of botanical gardens. The Mayor stated in reply that the Council had. decided to place estimates for recreation and sports grounds on the loan proposals. It was intended to have such groamds in each part of the town, and the provisions of the Council were widespread and general, including purchase of part of the Kaiti hill, ancl a nicaiic site on tlfe Waimata river; also the imprqvernght of the 11-acre reserve in Childers Road, and the establishment of botanical gardens in the Gacre reserve opposite. Then there were the 44 acres at the Malcaraka Domain to be remembered. He thanked! the deputation for attending and giving their views, and he hoped that with the aid of the people the new proposals would be carried. The policy of the Council was to try and get everything that was urgently necessary, and not to be extravagant in any way. The suggestion of the deputation would l>o given every consideration by the Council before finally formulating; the loan proposals. Having thanked the Council, the deputation withdrew.