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Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1922, Page 2

Tun remarks made at the Beautifying Association on Monday evening in regard to the Coronation and South African war memorial should direct very special attention to the condition of the Clock Tower. There is

certainly need lor attention on the, part of the authorities to the monument. A cursory examination of the structure shows that it is in u much neglected state internally., Smile little time hack the chiming hells, were removed because of the overburden, and the upper portion strengthened to curry the hell striking the hour. The repairs were only palliative, as the condition of the interior supports is now such as requires immediate attention. But apart from this the further question has been raised that with the early closing of Stafford St for railway traffic purposes, a greater volume of traffic will be diverted to Weld Street, and the monument will be in the way of the increased traffic. This is a matter which requires to be looked into for the public safety, The position is to be pointed out to the Borough Council which has given the subject some attention already, and it seems clear some definite action will require to he taken. A goodly sum will he involved in the necessary repairs to the structure, while a much larger amount will he required for tlie removal to a new site. In respect to the latter work it is expected some assistance might he obtained from the railway authorities, the re-

quirements of whom necessitate the removal. In regard to the restoration it is to he hoped that provision will he made for ;tlic restoration of tlie peal and hells, and the proper regulation of the clock by an expert, so as to ensure good time keeping in the. future. As a matter of fact the setting of the clod; was never satisfactory from the outset, because of the difficulty of getting down the well. This will need attention in the new arrangement.

Uhk attention which was turned to the utilisation of the Botanical Reserve in Upner Stafford street for praoiknl nurposes at the last meeting of the Raeutifying Association, suggests that thoughts miglit well lie directed to the question of using the area in question for the purpose for which the thoughtful pioneers of Hokitika specially reserved the area. The town was carefully laid out liy the Canterbury officials with an eye to itoccupying the position which it is destined to take mi in the future. Thev were clear-sighted folk, and realised the possibilities of Hokitika becoming a permanent residential centre, and not an evanescent mining township. There is no other town on the Coast so well equipped as Hokitika in the matter of public reserves for variousutilitarian purposes. These areas having been so thoughtfully provided, it follows they should be used if at all possible for the purpose for which they were set apart. In the case oi the Botanical Reserve, it follow s that the reserve should he used for its original purpose, and not as ait present largely a hot-bed for a gorse crop. Recently several gentlemen spoke of using an unused street for a native plantation. It would lie quite litting that the reserve referred to should bo taken up for the object of tree planting, with the ultimate end of creating a public garden. Probably there will he a. desire to mark the diamond jubilee of our town to he celebrated in about 18 months, and the creation of public gardens would he a not unfitting memorial which would continue to ho n source, of delight to the townspeople and visitors for all time. Tt p-pll tli»ra r pve that ->'lhll* irt'l'fiSt

in the question is boinp; aroused, and now that the matter has been mentioned it is to be hoped something practical will result in the not distant future