Municipal Gardens.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 13, 23 September 1927, Page 6

Municipal Gardens.

The interest aroused in the Flower Show held recently has led some enthusiasts to consider the question of Municipal Gardens. A remark made by Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., in opening the show reminded flower-lovers that at one time the Hutt was the beauty spot of the district. In face an old guide to these parts (dated 1896) refers to the Hutt only on account of its two gardens, Mason's and McNab's (Belle Vue). Now that both these have been cut up into "desirable building sites" it seems a pity that a start could not be made in the direction of Municipal Gardens. Of course Riddiford Park takes the place of such gardens to a certain extent, but it does not in any' way compare with the two we have mentioned which exceeded it both in extent and beauty. The point we desire to make is this: though we have a Riddiford Park and a Rosary, neither of these contain any native or other shady trees under which one may rest. We would suggest that in conformity with the practice of other towns, a reserve of native trees should be established more on the lines of the older gardens, a reserve where there should be brought together the best New Zealand trees, thus forming a permanent park worthy of our town. Naturally, opinions as to the best kind of garden to have, vary considerably, but we feel sure that a shady park would commend itself to all.