RECREATION AREAS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5100, 14 March 1927, Page 3

RECREATION AREAS.

MOVE TO SECURE FURTHER LAND. PAEROA IN THE FUTURE The person who cares to look ahead will instantly recognise that the Borough o'f Paeroa, even to-day, is woefully cramped for areas of land that can be suitably arranged as playing areas for outside recreation. Realising the position, the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) has been nibbling at the acquisition of a section o'f land which is privately owned and adjoins the Rawhitiroa Reserve on Te Aroha Road.

At Thursday night’s meeting of the Borough Council a letter was received from a firm of Thames solicitors offering to, dispose of a section owned by Mr W. P. Fennell, Auckland, and adjoining Rawhitiroa Reserve. The price asked was £375, the sum of £75 to be paid in cash on execution of the agreement and the balance in five years with interest at seven per cent., payable quarterly, with the right to pay off the balance o’f purchase money in sums of not less than £5O at a time upon giving three months’ iifr tice.

In a subsequent letter the solicitors advised that from a private valuation the property was worth considerably more than the price asked, and no reduction could, therefore, be made. The council’s early reply was required, as private inquiries were bei,ng made for the property.

Or. F. E. Flatt said he thought that the council should. acquire the land. There was none t<>o much room in the borough for recreation purposes, and as the town grew a suitable area would be difficult to obtain. It would be a great heritage, and a wise move to purchase. He moved that the area be obtained, and that the details of financing the deal be left in the hands o'f the Mayor and Cr. P. E. Brenan. In seconding, Cr. J. W. Silcock said that he was entirely in agreement with the proposal. The existing playing areas were already fully taxed during the winter months. While the council might not require the land immediately, it would be invaluable in time to come.

The Mayor considered that it was a splendid opportunity to acquire the section, which comprised about acres. That area added to the Rawhitiroa reserve of 3% acres would give a valuable block. Whilst realising that it might be a struggle to pay for the section, he thought the step was warranted, and any sacrifice that might be entailed would be well worth while and prove a blessing to the rising and succeeding generations. The resolution was carried unanimously.