ANZAC PARK.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2717, 11 March 1916, Page 7

ANZAC PARK.

Sir,—Notwithstanding the already, ereat demand for space, I hone that the vital importance of keeping m touch with local.affairs that-require immediate attention will entitle. this letter to appear in-your valuablo columns. I go further than '/Old Identity" goes ia his letter in to-day's issue of. The Dojuxiox. He suggests that, wo construct only « narrow strip of park on each side of tho' Waiwetu River' for a distance of a mile or a mile and a half. I aon strongly convinced that, ,iu justice. to those: who mßy come after us, it is our bqunden duty to'secure land on both sides of the entire length of the Waiwetu River, of sufficient width 'to illow of a decent park being made. As the establishment of such a park would permanently benefit the whole of New Zealand it would be fair and equitable for the Government to materially assist the local bodies in the purchase. Astonishing as it may seem, comparatively few people, even in this city, are aware of the existence of such a river. I will therefore presume to describe it. It comes down the Hutt'Valley through the back Waiwetu district, encroaching just' inside the south-eastern boundary of the. Hutt Park, before it finally snters the harbour at the far side of the Hutt River.' Its waters- run slowly, and would be navigable by rowing boats for a considerable distance in miles. The land on each side is mostly ' rural, but at any time may become residential. In fact the new road from l'etone to_ Eastbourne is certain to encourage immediate residential settlexnent in that vicinity. Tho scheme com-, mends itself in every possible feature. Artesian water, an invaluable acquis sition, is in great evidence, and tho pressure there is of sufficient force to supply fountains all over the grounds, merely requiring necessary pipes to he 6tuck ; in the ground. Any low-lying . ground on'the far side of the river would be a.great acquisition in tho formation of lily ponds and fish hatcheries. The land is exceptionally fertile, ond is most suitable for of trees, shrubs, and every, land of plant. In fact we! could look forward to being able to bodst the prettiest park in the Dominion. The river _ would be a paradise to anglers and picnickers.' Do not let us miss opportunity and allow the river to be tainted by the inevit- - able, backyard drains for all time. What would ChristohuijEh (have been without the. Avon?. Nothing but a flat, uninteresting, town; instead of which, she ranks as tho most beautiful city in. the Dominion. I hope the Ratepayers' Association and the Citizens' Leajue, as well as the local bodies, will support ■ this scheme, and that our policy will be'anti-shortsighted, and that the land will bo secured as soon as possible. .The park could' ho named "Anzao •Park" - in honour of our brave soldiers, and serve'as a lasting tribute to their unexampled heroism for 'all 'time.—l BDi, etc., : PONEKE. - Wellington, March 9, 1916. .;