THE DOMAIN.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 21 October 1927, Page 6

THE DOMAIN.

POPULAR PICNIC GROUND. As a picuic resort and recreation ground, the Ashburton Domain, with its modern appointments, cannot be surpassed in Canterbury or even in the South Island. With its beautifullylaid out gardens and tho large, slowflowing natural ponds bordered with weeping willows, it compares more than favourably with even tho most attractive spot in New Zealand's native bush. If those early residents who were responsible for setting aside this area of land as a public rendezvous could only hear tho appreciative references to tho Domain as a picnic ground they would feel amply repaid for their foresight. The Domain provides a most picturesque setting for tho pastimes which are carried on within its borders, -and the large' number of local residents who find recreation on the croquet and bowling greens, tennis lawns, and cricket grounds in the summer and football and hockey grounds in the winter compensates the Domain Board for tho expenditure of about £IOOO annually, £125 of which is contributed by tho County Council. Recognised as Ashburton's most valuable asset, tho Domain is within easy reach of any suburb and is greatly availed of by people during their leisure hours. The see-saws, swings, paddling pond, and sand pit are an. endless source of attraction and pleasure to the youth of the»town, all the year round, and the small expenditure incurred in this direction has well warranted the outlay. A staff of three men under the supervision of the curator (Mr H. P. Clayton) is kept constantly employed tending the lawns, flower beds, and rose gardens, and the array of bloom presented during the springj summer, and autumn, especially in the rose gardens, is a constant source of admiration. Comprising 89 acres, this recreation ground is sufficient for the requirements of Ashburton for many, many years, and affords an excellent spot for a day's outing. Facilities for boiling water are provided by means of gas rings operated .on the penny-in-the-slot principle. On the other hand, picnic parties or excursions of any consequence are provided with hot water and milk free of charge by the Borough Council. An indication of the extent to -which, the Domain was availed of last summer may be gained by the fact that eleven large excursions from outside centres, most of which required special trains, were held there, and they included schools, friendly societies, commercial firms, and local bodies. In addition a large number of private picnic parties and local schools make use of the Domain. Several dates are already booked for this year. "•