Untitled

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 945, 21 May 1881, Page 2

We have been requested to urge the Borough Bouncil to deeds savoring of kindness to the community resident within its boundaries ; and, in so doing to advise an investigation of the position of the Recreation Ground, situated on the banks of the Taruheru River. From what we are able to state, at this moment, upon the matter, the reserve in question has been Crown Granted to the Corporation of Gisborne, under the provisions of the Public Reserves Acts 1877-78, but there it rests ; and it would appear that little else is likely to be done, if the Council do not take the matter in hand. The position of the Council is that while it, as the conservator of the public, possesses a valuable piece of ground for recreation purposes, it cannot, of itself utilise it in any way for the purposes either of revenue, or to recoup its funds for money expended on it. At present it is handed over to a committee of residents to make the best they can of it; but that is not sufficient to do what is necessary, as, in the event of any sports or public demonstration being held, they are powerless to levy money at the gates. The Public Reserves Act is quite concise on that point, since it provides that no disposition can be made of reserves set apart for public recreation, so as to exclude the public from a “ free access ” thereto. But such reserves may be leased to Trustees for three years to fence in and lay down in grass. That is practically what is being done now. We think if the matter is fully investigated by the Council, it will be found that if the reserve is brought under the Public Domains Act 1860, the Governor, by Order in Council, can authorize the levying of charges, under certain conditions. The Council are chary of expending the ratepayers’ money for purposes outside those for which the rates are paid. But we hardly think that where a moderate expenditure only is required, the Gisborne people would object to the abstraction of the requisite amount, for the purpose of providing recreation, and promoting the happinesss and comfort of themselves and families. In that reserve Gisborne possesses a valuable propertv, and one which those who would mostly benefit by it, should be foremost in supporting both by private subscription and public support. There requires to be no fanciful ornamentation, at present; all that is immediately necessary is that it should be made, what it is intended to be, a resort for the people when in quest of recreative enjoyment. We trust some energetic and philanthropic Councillor will push the spirit of enquiry to definite conclusions.