THE MELMORE TERRACE RESERVE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 144, 13 August 1872, Page 6

THE MELMORE TERRACE RESERVE.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus, Sir, —Believing that a few remarks with reference to the spare ground (or, as has come out in the correspondence between our Town Conned and the Provincial Government, the reserve for the purpose of recreation) may not be inapplicable at the present juncture, I trust you will do me the favour of inserting the following. In the first place, supposing this veri/ large piece of land were laid out as a recreation ground, 1 ask, in the name of common sense, what sort lof recreation would it afford? It is so smaT \ that it would not be fit even for a promenade, j I do not think it would be far wrong for me to | say that there is not a Town Council in the Pro- | vince, excepting that of Cromwell, that would j correspond with Government with a view to getting the ground for such a purpose. Now, as a hint, let the Council try to get this ground into their hands, and have it surveyed into allotments. By this course of action, the Counc’l would he doing the town a public good. Not only would it improve the state of their coffer, but the main street of the town would be likely to assume a much more respectable and imposing appearance : the ground now unoccupied would soon be bought and built upon, thus enabling the just collection of taxes. The sooner the Council take steps in this direction the bettor for the ratepayers ; for should they desire to shift the buildings now upon it, I think it will be found to be rather an expensive undertaking. It may not be out of place to say that a day or two ago a man erected an edifice, —if it may be called so, —upon this reserve which is a thorough disgrace to Cromwell, —being a small frame of wood covered over with thin house-lining, and, as a set-off, with a chimney built of kerosene tins. This was all very well at the first of the rush ; but now that we have advanced into what may he called civilization, I do not think the erection of such a building should be permitted. Let the Council, then, in the event of their getting full control over this reserve, sell it for building purposes, —on the condition that the purchaser puts up a respectable building. None can deny the fact that the ground is more suitable for building purposes than it is for recreation ; and it seems ridiculous that anyone should be in favour of having a recreation ground in the centre of the town, instead of encouraging a population upon it. I should say, the more inhabitants, the more money in circulation, the very commodity the town requires. Hoping I have not trespassed too far in asking yon to insert these few remarks, I am, &c., August 9. A.C.