THE RECREATION RESERVE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 20, 31 October 1879, Page 2

THE RECREATION RESERVE.

TO THE EIHTOIt OF THE MA.NAWAT* HERALD. giu — As an old resident on the Manawatu river, I was much pleased to read the article in your last issue on the Foxton reserves. You certainly deserve the thanks of the inhabitants of Foxton an.J its vicinity for it. My object in writing to you is to call attention to the second clause of tho Act, and the provisions in it, -which are very good an far as they go, but to my mind there ought to be two more, viz., a provision that was inserted in the old Provincial Act when that part known as the Uucecourse Reserve was granted to trustees, to the effect that the ground was to be open at least ten days in the year for races — I write from memory as regards the number of days-wind that the rifle range should bo open to all volunteers, militia, or colonial forces. I can speak from my own knowledge that these were the conditions on which the range was given. The idea of a range first suggested itself to me when the late Sir Donald M'Lean visited Eoxton to inspect the Cavalry Volunteera and tho Manawatu Company of Militin, which I had the honor to command. After ppeaking to him on the subject, and receiving a favorable reply, I got up the petition, and the reserve was granted, subject to the volunteers having it surveyed at their own expense. Upon my pointing out that it was for the use of militia and colonial forces, the G-overn-ment had the survey made, and the range was to be vested in the Defonco If mister of the Colony for the time being. I trust, Sir, that having through your columus drawn the attention of tho inhabitants of Foxton and of tho Local Board to these provisions they will see it is only fair to those people who like racing and shooting that theso sports should bo provided for in the conveyance the Board will receive from Q-overnraent ; not that I think it necessary as regards the present Board or their immediate successors, who know the circumstances, but to bind those who at a distant time may have the custody of these reserves, and who may forget some of the purposes for which they were granted. I feel certain that this matter can be 9afely left with the Chairman of the Board, who was one of the original trustees with rayself and others for the Racecourse Reserve, and with the other members who take an interest in racing or shooting. I am, &c, John Kkiuiell. To Rau Awa. Ohau, Oot. 25.