GRAFTON GULLY PARK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 731, 2 August 1929, Page 6

GRAFTON GULLY PARK

CR. H. P. BURTON’S SCHEME COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE With a view to the conservation and preservation of the upper portions ot the Grafton Gully as a park, and to prevent spoliation by the encroachment of buildings, Cr. H. P. Burton moved at last evening’s meeting of the City Council that preliminary inquiries be made for the acquisition of privately owned land on the eastern side of the gully. He also sought investigation of the extent of commercialisation of the area. “This matter has been before the council for something like IS years,” remarked Cr. Burton, in proposing his motions. “There is some of the finest bush to be found anywhere, and the duty of the council is clear. It will be lost if we do not do something.” The mover viewed with alarm the encroachment of commerce upon the bush. Ho asked the Parks Committee to report, and that he be added to assist the committee. Cr. J. B. Paterson, who seconded, hoped the owners who held land containing the bush would be magnanimous, and hand it over to the city as a park. If the land had to be bought, the council would be spending money for the benefit of present citizens and for posterity. Cr. Ellen Melville heartily supported the proposal, with the comment that if the Parks Committee gained control of the bush it would plant only native tres. "I am very suspicious about this committee” said Cr. Melville, who had previously protested against the planting of foreign trees on the approach to the War Memorial Museum.

The proposals were agreed to.