THE WESTERN PARK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 162, 13 July 1903, Page 4

THE WESTERN PARK.

At the meeting of the School Commissioners on Friday, the solicitor (Mr 0. Samuel) reported that to conserve the interests of the Board he had reentered upon certain sections occupied by Mr Courtney, included in the proposed Western Park area, for nonfulfilment of the improvement conditions. Later on Mr Courtney, and his solicitor Mr Kerr, waited upon the Board to protest against the action of •:he Board, as the dtlay was caus d through illcesa in the family of the contractor to whom lha erection of a building was let. Considerable discus i-ion ensued, it being pointed out. that the Board had distinctly refufei any extension of the timo for making improvements, as the Boiud was anxious Mr Courtney should tot make any improvements, but surreudsr the sections to make the Park complete. Mr Kerr submitted that this was a case where an appeal agaiotfc the decision of the Board would ba uphdd, as the contract for the improvements was actually let before the expiration of the time, and it was not the fault of the lessee that the work was not in hand. The members of the Board expressed every desire to consider Mr Courtney, b stated plainly that his making the improvement proposed would spoil the Park, and add to the cost of the same to the people of New Plymouth. Mr Courtney disclaimed any desire to hinder that object, and was willing to meet the Board in any reasonable way. •It was pointed out that the Cam mis doners had no power to deal with M r -Ocurtuey, but they were anxious to make the matter as easy as possible for> the Borough Council. Eventually, on the suggestion of Mr Samuel, it was agreed to waive the re-entry, and extend Mr Courtney's time for ereciing improvements for six months on condition that no improvements were made prior to the Ist January, 1904.. The object being to give time for the Borough Council to negotiate with Mr Courtney to surrender the sections and include them in the Park reserve. Mr Courtney is certainly to be commended for meeting the Commissioners in a matter which is so important to the future of the Western Park Mr Courtney proceeds with the improvements on the Mill-road sections, which are not included in the above arrangement. i