A WARM DEBATE.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 16 April 1920, Page 3

A WARM DEBATE.

COMPLIMENTS" AT THE HTJTT COUNCIL MEETING.

A notice of motion by Or. Cavanagh that "Mr McVilly bo given permission to lease a portion of the road at Lowry Bay adjoining his property during the pleasure of the Council," was the cause of a warm debate at Tuesday's meeting of the Hutt Council. Cr. Howell immediately protested against such an act, holding that air-space was needed for the children of Wellington, who

were crying out for open play grounds. In the face of this it was proposed to nib them of their rights—rob them of a

beauty spot, of their recreation ground, of their birthright; the Council dared !0 give an individual, who could well afford to buy a section, a children's playground so that he could beautify Ids home../ Ask the same man for a piece of ilic railway reserve, saiu Cr. : lowed, and see what he would say.'

Would ho give it? Tlie Council's seclion was sorely needed, again stated Ilia speaker, and it the Council allowed : . lo pass into oilier hands it would be a standing disgrace. Cr. Cavanagh during Ihe foregoing remarks was repeatedly on his feet, and the chairman's appeals for,order were ignored. Cr. Cavanagh, much agitated, maintained in forcible lan gunge that the ground was purely a | dumping ground and that disgraceful sights wore frequently witnessed I hero. If Mr McVilly had Ihe land lie would beautify it, and (with some de- i liberation) make it decent. Cr. Howell said the argument was an old one. and i Or. Cavanagh wished to live under disgraceful conditions lie could do so. fell he objected to children and others who were interested in the section acting similarily. Other remarks of a :iing.T nature wore passed across the lable, and (he air was sultry for the space of a few minutes. Oil. however, ■,-■ i,s poured on the troubled water by an agreement being entered into thai .;. McVilly pay £5 a year for his request, which would lv granted pro- ■ ided Ihe public had free access to Ihe ground. Two other applicants are to ! ■ asked to pay similar amounts under like conditions.