"ALBERT BARRACKS."

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 199, 29 August 1870, Page 2

"ALBERT BARRACKS."

To the Editor ef the Evs ing Stab.

Sir,—ln your allusion to the Reserves of the Albert and Britomart Barracks, in your issue of the 27th, whil you justly give credit to our superintendent t'ur his exertions t.j obtain those sites, we must not in all justice omit the credit due to those members of the Provincial Council who firstly ventilate! the subject, on the 20th January last. Mr. Philips moved in the Council a resolution to the effect that some portions of tuis land (which the Government had bought, and were offering for sale), should be purchased by the Provincial Government; and, in speaking of this matter, strongly urged that means should be taken to secure the Albert Barracks as a town park, and in so doing, was ably supported by other city members. The applications of the Government resulted in the allotments being withdrawn, until the decision of the Home authorities, as to the ultimate disposal of thi3 properly, was received. While the necessity of such a breathing space and sate resort for children, &c, is hourly demonstrated, lirtle can be done in the matter until the whole of the property is handed over to the Colonial Government, rut from the remarks made by the Colonial Secretary to 11 r. Gillies, it would appear, up to the present time, it is not so. That undoubtedly such property belongs to, and is within the limits of the city, is true, but in this matter, the City Board stands very much in the position toward-* the Provincial Government, tliat the Provincial Government does towards the General Government, that is, the strongest will give as little as possible to the weakest, and treat with all the contempt they can, those (who while as a body indebted) presume to share the privileges and dignity of local government. Hence it is questionable whether we shall ever have corporate powers for our city, while Provincial Institutions and dignities require to be uphelu, and while that remarkable apatny which rend ra us as a community so distinguished, continues to exist.—Yours, &c,

Qui Tacet Coxsestii