A SUCCESSFUL APPEAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 211, 5 March 1912, Page 4

A SUCCESSFUL APPEAL.

The response to the appeal made on Saturday on behalf of the Pukekura Park funds must have been extremely gratifying to all concerned, particularly as the condition of the weather was about as vile as it could be. The success of the effort was, of course, due almost wholly to the energy of the unselfish band of ladies who undertook the- canvassing, and they deserve the thanks of the community for rendering such signal service. We hope the success that crowned their efforts will lead the Board to make "Park Saturday" an annual affair, and also take other steps in the direction of putting the finances on an assured footing. There is no reason why the leading residents of the place should not be personally interviewed and invited to subscribe a amount annually to the funds, and a garden party held every summer. An annual concert, if properly managed, would provide further grist. The Council might also be appealed to to alter the present donation to a £ for £ subsidy up to £250 or £300: By these means, and with what will come to the Board from the letting of the reserves on Avenue road, the Board should be in a position Eo further improve and efficiently work the grounds. We would like to see in the ground specimens of the tree, plant and flower life of the country, as well as an aviary containing specimens of the interesting bird life of the Dominion. And, for the children's edification, we would have a "monkey house" and "kangaroo house." These ' are features of most of the public parks in Australia, and one only wants to visit the grounds on Sundays and holidays to see how they are appreciated by young and old alike. They could be easily accommodated, as better conditions than in the sheltered Park can not be found in the Dominion. Lastly, we would like the members of the Board to seriously consider the question of altering their constitution in the direction of making at least a portion of the Board elective. It .would have the effect of both vitalising the Board and bringing the management of the Park into closer touch with the people.