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Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1922, Page 2

The suggestion made the other day in these columns to hold a pictorial display of Westland scenery lias caught on in one or two quarters whence it could he made a success. It is probable that a meeting will he called when the holidays are over to endeavour to organise the dis] lay suggested. It has been moved that the occasion could he turned to a commercial use also, by permitting the sale of pictures and photographs from the exhibition would get some reward for the expense and trouble they would lie put to in organising their exhibits. There would of course, be no objection to this, for it would in point of fact assist in reaching the end really in view— the further and fuller advert sement of the district’s scenic gems. No doubt if a move were made betimes, a very good Government display could be made to add to the variety of ti e att-actions. The Agricultural Department has a photogyapic brunch under its control, and possesses a splendid e< llertion of West Coast still photographs from the camera of Mr Taylor, tho Government official photographer. Doubtless too, Coast professional and amateur photographers would co-ope-rate in the display proposed, and if satisfactory arrangem-nts could be made about the judging, prizes might be offered for special class, s. In that case perhaps the views would become the property of tho organising committee, and could be sent to the le ding pic t-orial papers for reproduction as pnit of the advertising propaganda. As the idea lias useful possibilities to popularise the Coast scenery in a very agree, able manner, it is to be hoped practical results will take shape in the near future and the display be organised.

With the reviving interest in the state of Cass Squa-e, o -, r attention has been drawn to the happenings of Easter 1874—nearly fifty years ago—when the grounds stood in jeopardy of being appropriated for building sites. It appears that earlier there had been inroads by the sea, and many residents on the ocean front had lost their residences. Temporary occupation was afforded on the fringe of Cass Square, and there, facing Bealey Street, a line of houses had been erected. Other portions of the area were let for grazing purposes, but it was at that period in a rough unlevelled condition. At the time referred to ; there was the agitation to reclaim the Square, and make it what it was intended to be, a public recreation ground. The Brovin, cial Government then in being, had undertaken to clea r and lay out the ground for the use originally intended. It wffs pointed out that Hold ika stood greatly in the need of a public recreation ground of convenient access. The records procod ; “Th e old racecourse (on the river bank) was wash, ed away; the new course (the present one) is cleared only where the running ground is, and moreover is a grant lo special trustees for special purposes and there is no other place, but the reserve in question. Under the auspices of tlio Chief Surveyor (Mr Moeller) and the labor of the prison gang, a small park will be created in nearly ttie centre of the town, available for al purposes, and open to everyone.” 'lne Borough Counci of the day was rather divided on the subject of whether those in temporary occupation, should !>e ousted, but ultimately the matter \m aiTftngodj find Ctvss Square wp t’l It* ftllgillftt pVd’pwt'.

we of to-day are indebted to those of 48 years ago who strove so determinedly to secure the very useful grounds which are now being ornamented for t!ie free us? of the people fer all time.