King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20, 1912 A PUBLIC DOMAIN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 519, 20 November 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20, 1912 A PUBLIC DOMAIN.

The necessity for a suitable recreation ground for Te Kuiti has long been recognised, and it is to be hoped the public spirited citizens in conjunction with the local authorities, will bestir themselves in the matter. In all movements for the public benefit the initiative has to be taken by the few who recognise that the realisation of a broad national ideal is only to be attained by persistent and well directed effort. The New Zealand ideal is as yet somwehat nebulous, but in following certain general principles which have stood the test of time, benefit must accrue until definite shape is given to national aspirations. In providing the best possible education for our youth, physically and mentally, the foundation is being laid upon which the future of the nation depends, and the lessons learned en the playing fields are of the greatest possible importance in more respects than is commonly understood. 'Apart, however, from the importance of a recreation ground as a playing field for our youth, there are other weighty reasons for acquiring a suitable ground, which can be utilised both as park and domain. The town is growing very rapidly, and must extend steadily in all directions. It is therefore absolutely essentia! that adequate provision should be made for a domain that will serve the public for all time. It is common knowledge that the town was originally planned and promoted with the sole object of assuring to the owners the greatest amount of rent it was possible to acquire from a given area. Under such conditions it is not to be wondered at tnat reserves for the public, either for business or pleasure, are unheard of luxuries. The small area at present dignified by the title of "Domain," which was set apart by the Government as a recreation ground, is chiefly known to fame by reason of its unsuitableneas for the purpose. A committee set up a short time ago to investigate and report on the best method of acquiring a suitable ground, made certain recommendations in the matter. The adoption and subsequent rescinding of those recommendations by the Borough Council have neither helped nor retarded the acquisition ot a domain. Until the ratepayers and their constitutional representatives take sullicient interest to adopt a policy, and carry it to a definite issue, there is little. hope of anything being accomplished. There is ample room for individuals to differ on side issues to the question, but as to the central necessity that action should be taken to secure a ground there is no room for argument. It is to be hoped a matter of such importance, both to present and future generations, will be accorded the consideration it deserves.