BOROUGH RESERVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 924, 24 June 1903, Page 2

BOROUGH RESERVES.

PROPOSAL BY MR J. J-JAST

At (.lie -Borons'll Council meeting last night, a letter from Mr Jas. Blast was read, as follows “ JJercwitli 1 beg to .submit a map showing how it is possible to utilise the present borough reserves fronting Childers road and that neighborhood, and respectfully claim triat by this means the land would realise sjx or seven thousand pounds sterling as freeholds, and in the course of ilirec or four years bring in a greater revenue to the borough from rates than at present from rentals ; at the same time providing money to purchase the Waihirere reserve—an exchange which is provided lor by, Parliamentary maeiuncry.” '1 he. discussion which followed soon showed that the Council was strongly averse to parting with any of. its landed possessions, though it was acknowledged that from a strictly commercial point of view the scheme proposed by .Mr Blast was an excellent one. The discussion was taken up by Cr Lysnar, who made it very'

clear that Ins opinion was that instead of parting with the reserves, the Council should rather seek to acquire more. Grs Harding, .Morrison, .Somervell, and the Mayor spoke in he same strain, Cr Harding saying that the way in which want of funds was always cried no doubt accounted in some measure for such well-meant suggestions, and for winch.Mr Hast was entitled to their Thanks. The Mayor said that the land was not waste now. They obtained some revenue from it, and on other portions grazed the Council's horses. .Some portions might possihly he turned to more profitable account without departing from the policy of the Council rather to acquire than to sell land. Cr Miller, while agreeing with those who were against selling, said it might he a good thing for a committee to enquire into the subiect. They talked of having breathing spaces, but must admit that there was not much done lo improve tiieir reserves, ft might ho possible to utilise some poriioi ; to obtain funds for improving the remainder. It was agreed to defer further consideration of the letter, and to tender thanks to Mr East for his suggestions.