HELENSVILLE HOT SPRINGS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 27 September 1911, Page 3

HELENSVILLE HOT SPRINGS.

The Helensville Hot Springs Grounds are beginning to show the results of the improvements being pushed forward by the present Board, and by Christmas time should be looking well. Past Boards may have done their best to improve natures gift to them, and we believe had the promise of £1000 for that purpose. To have a grant is one thing, but to get the money to commence operations was another. The present Board had this handed to them by the outgoing Board,- and so as to commence work straightway got an overdraft on their personal guarantee, with the result that the grounds are now beginning to .show the results. The Board have already , applied for, another £1000 for the grounds, and also have in view the building of a Sanatorium, at the Springs for which they have applied'to the Tourist Department to supply suitable plans, and asking for £iSOO for its erection.

It was in July of last year that the Town Board decided upon developing the grounds of the Hot Springs and advertised for a competent' landscape gardiner, capable of laying out grounds forming tennis and croquet lawns, bowling greens, etc., which le'iulft'i in the appointment of Mr William Harris, F.R.H S.« from whom we get the following progress of tho layingout of the grounds,

Mr Harris' "firft request was for drains and shelter trees; the money for drains was not forthcoming, however, and it was consequently a difficult matter to get the trees to start, tho present Board have since realised the importance of draining 'the land and some 120 chains of drains have either been completed or are nearingcompletion, while it is their intention to drain tho whole of the properly, a very important step, as it would b* practically useless to attempt much in the way of landscape gardening without drains.

In the matter of trees and shrubs, Mr Harris selected quick growing sorts in order to provide shade and shelter as quick as possible, though unfortunately many choice varieties will not stand the severe frosts experienced on the Flats-, many choice shrubs being killed last winter, varieties such as flourish in Auckland. It is an ideal spot for roses, however, and much can be done in the meantime until good shelter is established, when the more tender exotic plants will have a better chance.

A Bowling Green is under course of construction which, when completed, will have cost £450'; the dimensions are 124 ft. x 124 ft. provided for 8 rinks. The clay has been excavated to a depth of 18ins., the bottom being finished in pyramid fashion, i.e.. a fall of 4 inches from the centre to the sides every Avay; till drains run all the Avay round and connect with the main drain ; in the bottom has been laid 400 yds of scoria, and upon this the original top soil, about 4A-ins. (-200 yds), and on top of this again some 300 yds. of soil has been carted from Fordyce's Rd., bringing the average depth to lOins. 100 yards of soil for the top dressing is to come from Port Albert; this latter soil has pioved in all tests to be superior to all other for this-purpose, and being of a retentive nature it doed not crumble in dry weather, nor yet have a tendency to crack as most light soils. The bulk of the ctay excavated will bo used to form a terrace bank all round the green, as the surface of the green will be higher than the level of the surrounding country (this' on account of .the wet stat.fi of the flats). It has not Seen finally decided whether a bore will., bb sunk to supply water, or whether use will be made of the overflow frcm the S\yimmiug Bath. It is hoped to have the green ready for Christmas, and if the soil comes to hand in time, and we have a good Spring, it could be accomplished; should the reverse occur it would be impossible to sow the grass until the Autumn. The ground adjoining the Bowling Green has been sown in oats and these will be ploughed in ; tho ground is to bo well worked, levelled, and sown in good lawn grass, and proportioned iuto 4 tennis courts and a croquet lawn, space being left for paths,, shruberies, etc. The tennis courts should be ready for Christmas, A pavillion is to be erected in a suitable spot, convenient to all the lawns. Further along from the tennis courts i 3 a fine level paddock of six or seven acres, which is now being drained, and is to be ploughed and cropped and then put down in the best grass next autumn. A portion of the centre will be marked off for cricket pitches, the balance being apportioned off into football grounds, running tracks, etc., being well drained aud perfectly level, this will make a Sports ground haul to beat. Another portion of tiie giound between the Baths and the Caretakers cottage will also be put down in lawn, aud fiovicr beds of" various designs cut out upon it. Rustic seats will also be provided and placed in such shade as is afforded.

It would not be a bad idea tor residents who have the springs at heart to present a seat to the domain with name of donar attached, as in the Albert and other Parks, and we ieel sure if some one would present one, others would follow.