THE HEADS PARK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 138, 20 March 1940, Page 4

THE HEADS PARK

A BRIEF SURVEY STATEMENT BY MR J. W. SUMNER The Chairman of the Whakatane Harbour Board, Mr J. W. Sumner, with a view to placing on record something of the history of the Park and of the intentions of the Board in future, has made the following statement to the BEACON. "The area was originally bought from the Native Department to secure beacon sites for the shipping entering the harbour. When the Centennial Park was first mooted the Harbour Board at once gavcj the idea the fullest support. It was necessary to cut back the face of the hill in order to obtain a substantial level and to place the wall around the rubble to effect consolidation. The retaining wall was com posed of rocks from the foreshore. The concrete Avalk Avas constructed later and it is the intention of the Board to effect still further improvements by Avay of shrubs, tables seats, etc. Having brought the Park up to its present slate the Board dedicates the area to the public for all time as a pleasure resort and sporting ground and trusts that settlers, visitors and Um r nspeople Avill make the fullest use of it. Should the Maoris desire to carry out their original suggestion of erecting an archway at the entrance of the parking area the Board will be pleased to grant full permission. Speaking of the Maori demonstration last Saturday, Mr Sumner added his compliments to the chorus of approval and remarked that the orderly manner in which all movements were carried out Avas a credit to all concerned.