LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 582, 9 November 1920, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE MEMORIAL PARK. Sir, —In reply to R.F.W's letter appearing in your last issue, firstly I would like to thank him for his courteous reply, and I have pleasure in answering his question as to how Mr. Roulston's beautiful little park came to he called the Roulston Memorial Garden. This has all been previously explained, but apparently not understood. Mr. Roulston first of all made the offer of the park for a town ha-11 site, and nothing else. Although accepted for that purpose by myself, when the matter came up at the council meeting there were many different opinions in the council, not as to accepting the generous offer, but as to the advisability of erecting the municipal buildings thereon, as it was pointed out by several of the councillors that it might be dangerous if a large gathering was held there at any time, on account of the bridge over the railway line becoming congested: there was no other way Pm motors and other vehicles to cross, also that it was not central. It was then decided to wait on.Mr. Roulston again and see if he would consider giving the park as a war memorial,

and sell us an acre of land more central. Mr. Roulston very generously met the committee appointed to wait on iiitn. We (the committee) with him went over the land, and after viewing both places we considered it would be better to recommend the purchase of the land now acquired for the town hall site, afterwards agreed t" by the council and bought, Mr. Roulston agreeing to take ;dl the m.mey in debentures. Mr. Roulston then told, us that although it was hi intention to give the park only as a town hall site, he would give it to the people on renditions that we ex ponded CIOD on it in some suitable way. We suggested that this was perhaps beyond one means. Mr. Roulston then very '.onerously said, "All right, make it t;500, gentlemen," which we accepted on behalf of the citizens. The it;«»e of Ihe park was sug-

gested by. the committee, not by Mr Roulston In fact, if I remember cor rectly. he did iH accept the i-am. until he had an opportunity of con suiting Ids -"ife ~, Ibe in..tier. S. if the nam : is n>d ti'.iile as if .-liould be if certainly >s -of Mr. Koul.-ton'

fault, but your representatives, in eluding myself, as it was certain!; car suggestion are! aV""d t<> bv him I hope my explanation has math- tin petition eVai (p jR.F.W <>r otlvus <>'

lit . opinion Now sir, I ivouki just like l-> aa\ that t' quite agree with jour that it is not desirable to enter into a heated controversy over this matter, but to do something in h sum

able manner, like-every other town in Jlic Dominion ha? done. If the citi zens' representatives are uiucldlers ami not to bo trusted, they will soon have an opportunity to replace them, hut Mr. Roulslon's little garden park will he there for us and (lie generations to follow, and f am quite sure as time goes on it. will be much appreciated.

The public war memorial will do .something to show our appreciation of our brave boys, as well as making a fitting entrance to the citizens' own grounds; so instead of hindering the Pukekohe .soldiers' war memorial movement, lend a helping hand. C. K. LAWRIE, Mayor.