RECREATION GROUND FOR TAURANGA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 128, 22 November 1873, Page 3

RECREATION GROUND FOR TAURANGA.

Responding to the invitation of Mr E. GK Norris, a number of gentlemen assembled at Fraser's Hall on Wednesday afternoon, to take into consideration the best steps to be adopted in order to secure a reserve for a people’s park or recreation ground at Tauranga. Captain Tovey occupied the chair, and briefly explained the object of the meeting. He referred to the contemp ated visit of the Honorable Mr McLean to the district, and thought it would bo an excellent opportunity to bring this important matter before the notice of the authorities. Ha oilafcfd upon the great advantages that would accrue, more especially to the rising generation and fcj the working classes, by a public recreation ground. Bishop Williams hid already written to Mr McLean, and had, moreover, promised to use his influence in furthering the object in view. In the meantime a deputation, he (the chairman) thought, should be app anted, after choosing site, to wait upon Mr McLean upon his arrival here. Mr Norris produced a plan, and some discussion hereupon ensued as to the best site. Two sites were mentioned in the township, and another at tiie Quarter Acres, and considerable diff rence of opinion appeared to exist as to the one most suitable for the purpose. Mr Chadwick, Captains Morris and Tanks, Mr Norris, Mr S, L. Clarke, and other gentlemen addressed the meeting It was ultimately proposed by Mr Norris, and seconded by Captain Tanks, “ That a deputation b > fuimed to wait upon the Defence Minister on a-rival, and fc ) apply for the reserve of that piece of land nowjased as a Government paddock, thence stretching across from sea to sea, including the Redoubt; each reserve to be used as a public recreation ground or park.” Mr Chadwick objected to the site named. Mr Edgcumbe, while quite agreeing with the object for the consideration of which the meeting had been called together could not he'p expressing his regret that the email holders and working classes were not more largely represented. As his f- iend Captain Tanks very truly obseived, the subject of a public* lecreation ground affected the people at|i«rge, and more especially the children of the settlers, and for that, very reason he thought that the working men should have a voice in this mutter, and that it should not be lift entirely in the hands of the “aristocrats.” He, therefore, proposed as an amendment, “ That a pubi o meeting be called to consider the matter at a time end place to be decided upon by this meeting, Mr John Chadwick seconded the amendment. Mr b l . L. Clarke un i Capt. Morns replied the the object of the me-ting wts to get the,matter quickly settled before Mr McLean arrived. There was not the slightest intention of neglecting the interests of the working classes ; quire the contrary. If a deputation w is formed all classes should bo represented. It was, however, necessary to take some preliminary steps. The public should all pull together for the general good. Capta’n Morris thought a public meeting would be bettor The choice of a site should be made p irvly and solely by the voice of the public. Mr Samuels supported Mr JEdgcumho’s amendment, which, on being put to the meeting, was carried by 12 to 2. Mr Norris thought that the members of the two Boards should confer together. He saw no necessity for calling a public meeting whatever. Public meetings in Tauranga generally eventuated in nothing—(no, no). At any rate he thought he had done his duty in ventilating the subject, and being instrumental in convening pieaeot meeting—(hear, hear). Mr Samuels proposed, and Mr Asher seconded, that an advertisement be inserted in the Bat op PtENXr Times convening a meeting for Satar-

day (this) evening, at seven o’cUV , and that this meeting stand adjourned until that time. Carried unanimously. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting adjourned accordingly. If is unnecessary to give a fuller report of the proceedings, as the matter »111 probably be more tuiiv ciiflcmsed this evening.