AUCKLAND'S PARKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 231, 30 September 1929, Page 9

AUCKLAND'S PARKS.

INSPECTION BY COMMITTEE. WESTERN SPRINGS STADIUM. SWIMMING BATHS IMPROVED It is only when one makes a comprehensive tour of tlie parks of Auckland that one realises the extent to which citizens are justified in fooling proud of their city and in taking credit for the extensive improvements which have been made at all points of the compass during the past decade or two. This morning a representative of the "Auckland Star" accompanied the Parks Committee of the City Council on a tour of inspection. In the party were the chairman, Mr. .). B. Patersou, Miss Basteiij Messrs. M. J. Coyle, E. J. Phelan and J. Donald, together with the actingcity engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, and the superintendent of parks, Mr. T. E. Pearson. In the sunshine of the early forenoon the Domain gardens were impressively beautiful as the party drove through to choose a site for a proposed stone bridge near the tea, kiosk, as well as to visit the winter gardens and to approve of sites in front of the War Memorial Museum for two four-inch guns from H.M.s. New Zealand, which were allotted some time ago for that purpose by the Defence Department. "Something to be Proud of." "We have here something of which the people of Auckland will be very proud," the chairman of the committee remarked, as the party approached the winter gardens by way of the promenade, which is now lined with fresh green turf and borders of pansies. In the new wing, erected out of funds provided a year or so ago by private citizens, there is a wonderful show of various kinds of schizanthiis, Chilian herbs with finely-divided leaves and showy, variegated ilowers. It is intended eventually to have this wing taken up with a great collection of palms, which will show up in striking contrast against the multi-coloured hothouse plants in the older wing. At present the latter contains a. rare showing of primulas of various kinds and many brilliant blooms of the stately amaryllis. Origin of Black Cat. While the party was strolling round the spacious court between the two large wings, the superintendent of parks was asked the meaning of the black cat which adorns the head of the central column in the court. .Mr. Pearson said he understood that somewhere in the regions of the late Czar of Russia a design existed with a bear at the top of a column, Hind that when the British artist, Sir Edwin Lufcyens, was asked how a somewhat similar design might he carried out in New Zealand he had replied that the effect desired might be achieved by placing at the top of a column a cat in an attitude to suggest that it was reaching with its paw for a bird. Parnell Baths. Members of the committee, on visiting the Parnell baths, expressed their pleasure with the way in .which preparations have been made for the opening of the swimming season to-morrow. One of the most important improvements has been the heightening of the wall on the seaward side so as to prevent water flowing over at high spring tides. The baths are to be tilled on this afternoon's tide in readiness for opening at six o'clock to-morrow morning. Now that steps have been made from the new waterfront roadway to the foot of St. Stephen's Avenue the committee is considering the possibility of making a connection that will give direct access to the baths from the waterfront. The baths at Shelly Beach have also been thoroughly renovated, and they, too, will be opened to-morrow. Reserves for the City. An interesting example of how valuable reserves have come into the possession of the City Council in the past five or six years is provided by the elevated grounds in which stand the old St. Stephen's Church and cemetery on the high ground at the back of the Parnell baths. The committee called there to consider the possible erection of a caretaker's cottage. When a large estate is subdivided the council acquires five per cent for reserve purposes. The St. Stephen's area has come to the council through the subdivision of Church of England property. This is how the council has also become possessed of the (laying fields at Walker's Road, Point Chevalier. Preserving Grafton Gully. Members of the committee, on viewing Grafton Gully, heartily expressed approval of the proposal made by Councillor Burton to acquire an area of privately-owned land on the eastern side of the gully. This and other matters discussed in the course of the tour will be considered at a. later meeting of the committee for the framing of recommendations to the City Council. The preservation of native bush on the northern side of Grafton Bridge may also' be recommended. Calling at the Westmere Park estate, the committee considered the erection of new bathing sheds or the improvement of those already in use. Fine New Stadium. An impressive ending to the tour was a visit to the new Western Springs stadium, where further unemployment relief work is being carried out. "We have been told by experts," said the chairman, "that there is no finer stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and few as fine in any part of the world." It is doubtful if many residents of Auckland realise the excellence of the stadium which has come into existence during the past two years. Started about two years ago as a relief work, out of money from the Mayor's Fund, the undertaking has again been carried forward under Government subsidy, and by the end of next month it will be ready for the official opening. The work has been designed and supervised by Mi , . Tyler. Will Accommodate 70,000. In shape a perfect oval, the central playing ground ie surrounded by a level cinder track, which measures a quarter of a mile, and surrounding that again is a concrete saucer track for cycling or motor bicycle racing. Rising above this are three miles of concrete terraces. Some day there will be a large grandstand on the lower level near the Great North Road, hut even at present the terraces and hill slopes will accommodate about 70,000 people. There is an entrance also from the higner ground where the tramway leads to the Zoological Park. So snugly is the stadium placed that winds which arc felt keenly outside are not noticed on the level of the playing field. Electric lights are now being placed for night cycling and motor cycle racing. When Auckland needs an arena in which to stage a pageant or gymkana on a grand scale it. will be'available at .Western Springs, . .