The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1926. CASS SQCARE.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1926. CASS SQCARE.

The state of Cass Square, as indeed that of Mncandrew Square, is not creditable to the municipal authorities. When the Beautifying Society pursued its activities both reserves wore brought into pleasing condition, hut since it was found necessary to dispense with a permanent caretaker, the grounds are slipping hack noticeably, and losing the orderliness they presented formerly. This notwithstanding that, if our recollection serves aright, the Borough Council has ordered the requisite attention. There is some remissness therefore on the part of the executive or staff, in not carrying out the instructions of the Council. This neglect should be remedied without delay. Cass Square may be regarded as a 'civic asset of great value, and it is something worth caring for. When it was brought into order by the efforts of the Beautifying Society, the

Council should at least have seen that the grounds 'were maintained in such a state as to he a pride and not a disgrace. Jn particular we arc sorry to see the area about the Cenotaph drifting into a very neglected condition. When the caretaker was available it was kept trim and neat, pleasant and agreeable to the eye, and was a reminder in itself that the authorities of the town “did not forget.” But the unkept state of the grounds now suggest we are forgetting and that state ot illdifference is to be deplored. Indeed, the memorials generally about the town are in need of attention. The place is rich in these gifts, but the authorities responsible for their upkeep are not giving them the attention they should. Without delay the Executive of the Council should see that the required attention is devoted to our ornamental and useful reserves, and to fhe memorials which adorn different parts of the town. Returning again to Cass Square, it should lie unnecessary in recall the fact that it is the play ground of the place. All through the year practically it is in regular use, and at no time of the year in more general use than at this particular season. The grounds have to stand considerable wear and tear all the year round, and something should he done to meet this use, which is all in the interests of public health. The playing fields arc in need of regular top-dressing to fill the hollows and give the surface a crown to encourage drainage and prevent pools and muddy places forming about the grounds. With the municipal staff and plant available nowadays, it should not he costly to the funds to do what is required in a systematic wav, and so help to maintain the fields in a clean, sound playing condition. It is always noticeable elsewhere that civic spots such ns-Cass Square are kept trim and neat, and present an appearance which at once suggests a well conducted municipality. But to allow the local reserves on which much time and money have been spent, to drift hack into a bedraggled condition, is at once a reflection on the civic management and an indication of luke warm ness in work which those responsible are expected to discharge. Xow that attention has been called to the matter, it is to he hoped a scheme will he devised to pay regular attention to the two reserves referred to specially and set about restoring them to a more presentable appearance. In any case this is the time for the spring overhaul, and with the steady growth of verdure, it will be necessary to provide for the regular cutting of the grass plots so that tlio grounds will hear a trim appearance, - pleasing to the eye, and creditable to the management. The appearance of our town is the symbol of our worth as citizens and those responsible should see to the appearance of the reserves without delay.