OTAKI DOMAIN.

Otaki Mail, 5 March 1923, Page 2

OTAKI DOMAIN.

Otaki possesses a splendid asset in the Domain, but the most is not made of it, and we would very much like to seo the public take the matter iu hand, and convert the present somewhat neglected aud unkempt ground into what it is well fitted for, viz., one of the most picturesque recreation grounds iu the province. The domain is ideally and centrally situated iu a town that is proud of its lovely environments and its love for the beautiful —certainly by uu means an idle boast—but iu its present condition is not worthy of the town and district. The surface has received very little attention for years past, with the result that the sward is exceedingly rough and uneven, the grass has “gone back,” aud given place to coarse growth, which makes the surface unpleasant to gaze upon, and uncomfortable to those who use it. Footballers, cricketers and other atb- 0 letes cannot do their best on such a pluyiug ground, and the appearance is uuything but creditable, ft seems to us that the ground has been allowed to get into such a condition that the only chance of putting it into decent order is to have it re-ploughed, dressed with fertilisers, re-sown with flue grasses, and rolled. If this were done in a workmanlike manner we should soon have a playing-ground that would be greatly appreciated by all athletes and the public generally. Provision should also be made for the comfort of spectators at football or cricket matches, athletic sports and games. These suggested improvements would, of course, entail a considerable expenditure, but not a very heavy outlay, and the work is certainly not beyond the powers of the Otaki and district people, if they only put their shoulders to the w-beel. This is a matter that primarily effects our athletic bodies, though of great interest to all classes of the community, and we feci sure that if a big effort, such as a gymkhana, or similar function, were held, all classes would assist, and a good round sum would be raised for the purpose of making improvements on the lines suggested. In all probability it would be necessary to close the grounds for several months in order to have it re-grassed, but this temporary inconvenience cannot be obviated if the place is to be put in good order. This is a matter that affeets the whole dis* *

trict, sjieing that tbft Domain is the recognised central recreation ground for the whole of the Otaki district. The ground is not creditable in its present state, whereas with a reasonable outlay it could be made a sports ground second to none, and a beauty spot that would add materially to Otaki’s many valuable assets.