ATHLETIC UNION IN WYNDHAM.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 6, Issue 328, 5 February 1884, Page 2

ATHLETIC UNION IN WYNDHAM.

We suppose no one will be found bold enough to deny that immense good results from the practice of outdoor exeri cises. The arguments in their favor have • been so often and so ably put forward, and so generally acquiesced in, that it would be almost an insult to the intelligence of our readers to recapitulate them here. But, unluckily, while fully recognising the importance of providing for the proper enjoyment of the admittedly necessary recreation, too many of our rising towns neglect the very opportunities of securing suitable land which their youth gives them, and in the hurry of competition on the road to fortune allow mere questions of enjoyment to lie dor- > mant until it is too late. The wisdom of the powers that were, however, has placed Wyndham in a singularly fortunate position. That town has been richly endowed with a magnificent reserve at its very door, and those who were the means of obtaining it will deserve the thanks of posterity if those of the present generation are unexpressed. Of that reservo a good-sized portion has been lately set apart for the use of the Wyndham Cricket Ckib, and the best thanks of that body are due to the gentlemen who kindly took their wants into consideration. There has also been formed, or rather re-formed, a Caledonian Society there. There is no good reason why these two bodies should not amalgamate and make the ground suitable for both parties. Their wants are identical, their members are practically so, and their objects are similar — namely, tho development of the muscular part of humanity, and relaxation from the cares to which humanityis inevitably subject. Another consideration — one of a more Patriotic nature — should animate them. /They should consider what an ornament to the town would be a smooth lawn surrounded by evergreen trees, At present Wyndham, like too many of its contemporaries, is singularly destitute of a refreshing green eplor.; Medical men without end aye ; e^patiated on the benefits of these " lungs." Moreover, it is not altogether the Wyndham of to*day but the Wyndham of thet future that ,'be con- ; sidered. Probably ere many years have passed Wyndham will be a populous and bustling town, and a few pounds spent now {judiciously would yield many times compound interest in the not distant future. . Besides, the bodies now appealed to are not called upon to pay the cost directly. If they amalgamate, a joint committee could be appointed to obtain f^nds by a, series of popular entertainments or other-wisp, and thus confer not only a future but a present pleasure. The present pleasure will be only transient, but tho permanent beautification of the ground would be a Gonsfcanfc enjoyment for the bulk of the community for ever. We have antherity for stating that the Cricket Club would have no objection to such an amalgamation as we suggest, and it is to be hoped tjjat the Caledonian Society will cordially bo-opeuate and jointly provide a recreation ground 01 such beauty and extent as will leave their occupancy of" the ; posir tion they now have more markedly prominent than the, inscription, of their names 0» » monument of brass.