RECREATION GROUND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 118, 29 May 1901, Page 4

RECREATION GROUND.

IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED. The following petition, from Messrs F. Bull, AV. L. Rees, L. T. Syiues, J. W. Nolan, J. Macfarlauc, R. H. Mason, F. Parker, AV. Cooper, John Coleman, AA r . 11. Clayton, and AV.' Good, was presented at the meeting of the Borough Council last night:— 11 AVc, the undersigned residents of Gisborne and North Gisborne, beg to draw your attention to the present condition of the Recreation Ground. For the last five and twenty years nothing has been done to improve this reserve. Its only use at the present time is for tho pasturing of two or three horses, and its condition is disgraceful to the authority under whoso care it is. At the northern boundary of the reserve a footbridge runs across tho Taruheru river to North Gisborne. Upon this footbridge there is a very groat and constantly increasing traffic. Hundreds of people, young and old, pass over it daily. Not only is the Recreation Ground itself absolutely uncarod for, but the comfort and convenience of the public are entirely disregarded. There is no path across the ground, people crossing having to bend beneath tho rail of the fence, the track across it is turned by a slight shower of rain into a series of muddy pools, and at night the place becomes dangerous by reason of its loneliness and darkness. thareforo desire the Council to change tho present condition of affairs. AVe ask :

1. That two gas jets be placed, one at the south-east corner of the reserve at the junction of Aberdeen road and Carnarvon street, and one at the turnstile at the entrance to the footbridge. 2. That a footpath be made across the reserve between the two gas lamps above mentioned, which mespocially required, both on account of its shortening the distance to the footbridge, and the fact that the present footpath down Carnarvon street and along the bank of tho Taruheru becomes after a heavy shower of rain a long succession of pools of water.

3. That the reserve be ploughed and sown with good grass, and that to destroy the docks and weeds an arrangement may be made by which in lieu of tho horses belonging to the corporation, sheep may be pastured in the reservcT" 4, That a proper gate or turnstile be placed at the junction of Aberdeen road and Carnarvon street, so that citizens and their children may be relieved from the indignity of having to creep underneath u fence in order to enter the reserve.

5. That shrubs and trees may be placed according to a plan approved by your Council, such shrubs and trees being protected by wire netting. The expense attending upon the granting of these requests will bo very small, and the benefits to be derived by the public will- be very great. The burgesses of Gisborne have beyond doubt expressed in the recent election their determination that the Town Council shall carry out all necessary reforms in the management of public business. We therefore confidently request your attention to and approval of the wishes herein contained, and trust that the work will be put in hand and completed as soon as possible.” Some question was raised as to whother those who had signed were resident in the locality. Cr Bright said that the matter was of public interest, and there was no necessity to criticise the names of those who signed. Cr Morrison said he had previously moved in this matter, and thought something should be done—though not exactly ■ as suggested. Ho moved that Crs. Hepburn, Whim-ay, and the mover bo a committee to inspect the ground and report to the Council.

Cr Miller seconded the motion. He thought it was time there was something done with the ground.

Cr Jones said the matter had been before. them several times. He' thought they should as least place one light at the ground. A complete plan of improvement had been submitted by the Beautifying Association, but then they were told that they must not shift the Borough horses. He agreed with Cr Mom son that a path should not bo taken across the ground. Ho again urged, as be had done before, that seats should be provided in the ground for ladies and' children.

Cr Lysnar suggested that there should either be a path through the centre of the ground, or traffic across there should be shut off. The motion was carried.