GIFT TO THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 22, 21 October 1919, Page 6

GIFT TO THE CITY

THREE ACRES BETWEEN CITY AND KARORI FOR BATHS AND TENNIS ,COURTS Gradually the trend of population in Wellington ia to tlio cast and wc-st. Recent yoars have seen the adjacent mountain rajiges pierced with tunnels that have been utilised to convey the people to the out-beyond on wheels. The growth of Kelburn ajid Northland of late has been distinctly healthy, and with tho completion of the proposed new tram line a fresh impetus will bo given to settlement in Ifelburn west ami Ivarori cast. For that reason an offer of n block of land to the City Council freo in tliat direction is especially interesting. 111'. Thomas Ward has offered tlio council some 3 acres 3 roods of tad in the valiey immediately beyond the Karon tunnel—tho valley through which (lows the overflow of the Karori reservoir (when there is one), on condition that the council uses it for the formation of a swr.ninnng bath and tennis courts. Mr. Ward pointed out how very simply a swimming bath could bo formed on the 'block >.75 by 25 yards), and how tho ground would take half-a-dozen fullsized courts. The matter had been brought under the notice of the Outfying Districts Committee, and the Mayor visited the spot with Councillor L. M'Kenzie (chairman of the committee) on Saturday afternoon. After a thorough inspection and consideration of the offer from all points of view, they had decided to accent the offer 011 behalf of the council. It was true that the ballis and tennis courts would involve considerable cost, but looking well into tho future, he thought he could perceive that such a playground as outlined by Mr. Ward would bo a groat asset to that port of the city. The site at present was within easy touch of Kelburn, Northland. and Karori, and .as the western hills became more closely settled the ne*d for such a rccrcation reserve would bo felt.