The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1904. EXCHANGE OF RESERVES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 184, 8 August 1904, Page 2

The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1904. EXCHANGE OF RESERVES.

"There is a fcidein the lives of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to success." The aphorism m a y he applied, with all ists age-given vigour, to the condition of the affairs of the Taromiaki Agricultural and Pastoral Society at the present time. For some years this- body, whose primary function is supposed to bo the advancement of the interests of the pastoral community of a wide and flourishing district, has been greatly hampered in its work on several grounds—the most apparent trouble being the apathy of the people whom one would naturally consider were most nearly concerned in it. This want of interest culminated last

year in the society's annual "show" proving almost a travesty on the name, ami invoked such a feeling of indignation' as aroused those responsible to make an effort to regain the public npprofeiation and support, which it was felt was rapidly slipping away. Something more was needed, however, than mere cold criticism, however valuable that ought be iu shedding Hght upon shortcomings. And •that something was forthcoming. Prominent citizens took the subject up, recognising the fact that an up-to-date exhibition of the products—animal and other—of the province and the mechanical appliances necessary in their creation must, by reason of the attraction to visitors, benefit the town as well as educate ' the agriculturist and the pastoralr ist. They joined in their efforts, ( then, with those whose business many m a y consider (though en that point we can scarcely agree with themj), it was solely to carry through an undertaking of the nature indicated. Meetings were, called and matters very thoroughly tlirashed out ; sub-committees were and every detail considered to tho minutest degree. Renewed l'ifo was infused into the almost moribund associa- ' tion, and there, was every prospect of its entry upon n new sphere of usefulness. But now arose a very grave - dilliculty. The T a ranaki Agriculturl al and Pastoral Society found itself without a home. For some time it had teen domiciled upon a portion of the ground commonly known as the • Racecourse Reserve, though the name is really 'a misnomer, as the reserve , is not solely dedicated 'to the Taranaki Jockey Club or to any other in- ' stitulion. The particulars set forth ' in these remarks are in the nature of a recapitulation of facts well Iknown 1 to most local people, and we have again briefly sketched them, at the risk of wearying our readers, in order that they may bring us to the point at issue. For some time nego- . liations have been in progress between a committee appointed from t|'ie Agricultural Society, the football clubs and the cricket clubs, and the representatives of the New Plymouth Borough Council, in whom the Recreation Reserve is vested. The reserve, comprising land on both sides of the Avenue Road, is occupied by the racecourse proper and some acres of ground on the eastern side i of tho road, at present leased to several persons for grazing. The Agricultural Society desires to exchange St. Germain's Square, between Gill, ■ Eliot, and Molesworth Streets, for tho eastern portion of tho Racecourse Reserve, the Taranaki Jockey Club and tho various sports clu'bs which are jointly interested being " quite agreeable to this course of action. As ah incentive to an exchange, it is pointed out that whereas the revenue accruing from rents, etc., on the Racecourse Reserve total approximately. JC7S per annum, St. Germain's Square, if leased for building purposes would yield a revenue of at least £9O per annum, and l>e of increasing value us time rolls on, ■ Hut, though the present council in ollice is professedly keen in its desire to secure the best liaianciat management of borough affairs, there yet up- , pears to be some meinlMTs anxious to assume the role of conservators of the interests awl welfare of. the "unborn millions," "for the future in the distance," etc. Truly a noble instinct ; but one which may be car- ' lied to a point bordering on the ridiculous. They allege that they will i lie no parties to curtailing the breathing spaces of tiki people. Witli- ■ in n short distance is WoolcomlK'temicp and the open sen, and it is extremely douilriful if the neighbourhood of tho Square will ever lie so , thickly populated us to induce any r fears of a slum qwarter being formed. Therefore the anxiety of these

over-watchful members would appeal to ho quite unnecessary. It may here be stated that the commiti lee suggested ilii' placing of the rest rve to Ik; aMfuiivd ill exchange for the Square under the control of a separate hoard, tho constitution of which might ho two representatives from the Jockey Club, two from the liorough Council, two from tho football clubs of the town, and one from the cricket mid other sports interested. On this point again the Borough Council raised objections, declaring that tho reserve should not pass from its control. Those interested in obtaining' it for the use of the Agricultural Society, so that the

latter might have a permanent and convenient habitat, were quite prepared to waive their suggestions on this point, and allow the members of the council to appoint the whole of tho trustees, even themselves If thay I so wisfhed ,or to have such Humiliated by the Uovernor-in-Council; all they desired was Unit the control should be vested in a body appointed for that special purpose. They fear I'hut the inclusion of the control uk part of niultifaiiouM and apparently ever-growing' duties of the Borough Council will not be conducive to the best interests of the reserve as allied to the work of U'w Agricultural and Pastoral Society, or any other body or association for sport that may desire to establish itself upon it, all of whom now have the right to use it. It would appear as if there were some note of discord, as yet unheard, or some petty influence or jealousy at work, incit-

ing members of the council to maintain their opposition ; though what should induce such a factor in this relation is certainly past the comprehension of the observer from outside. At all events, the matter should be decided by tine Borough Council this evening one way or the other. If councillors have the true interests of the town and district (for their point of view is surely not coniined within the imaginary circle formed by the municipal boundary line) at heart they will aid in the movement now afoot instead of continuing a policy of studied indifference toward a deserving institution. Arc they inclined to sink minor jealousies—for no other explanation of their attitude appears feasible ! or will they insist on setting themselves up as a Board of Municipal Bumbles ? We trust they may decide en the former course. It is not as if the council would not receive a very tangible benefit by the proposed exchange, for whereas it now has only the surface rights of the reserve from ,\ ear to year it will at once possess as a borough endowment a very valuable piece of property, and will also secure for all time tho use of that part of the leserve now known as Uie racecourse, for the benelit of the Jockey Club, football, cricket, and other sports clubs. Councillors may rest assured that their actions in this matter will be remembered when next their constituents have the opportunity of expressong a collective opinion on the subject.

ON THE FOURTH PAGE. ijcp]>erton Notes. Waimangu Geyser. Cluld-Lifo Preservation.