PUKEKURA PARK.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1920, Page 4

PUKEKURA PARK.

The proposal made by Mrs. C. H. Burgess at the recent meeting of" the Pukekura Park Board has all the appearance of inaugurating a new era in the administration of this splendid local and national scenic asset and recreation ground. For many years past the board has done the best it could with the funds at its disposal, but there lias been a lack of initiative in raising funds, ojid possibly a too conservative view as to developing the natural beauty of the park. Fortunately the board obtained the services of Mr. W. W. Smith as curator, and for that act alone it deserves the gratitude of tlie community. Had that action been systemlatically backed up by the exhibition of resourcefulness in raising ample funds for upkeep on the scale such an attractive asset needs, with a sufficient surplus for developing and further beautifying this public domain, Mr. Smith would have had full scope for his enthusiastic work, and the park by this time would have been a veritable wonderland to visitors. Money can always be raised in New Plymouth for all worthy object? if the right steps are taken, and confidence in its teneficial expenditure is felt. The need for a large expenditure is apparent to the most casual observer, and Mrs. Burgess has outlined to the Board how that money can be obtained. This progressive proposal may probably draw attention to what should have been done in the past, by emphasising the advantage of a policy of energy. In this connection the reason given by Mr. E. Cock for his resignation has a special significance, and demonstrates that he recognises not only that members of a board may remain too long in office, but also the trend of public opinion as to the need for making room for younger and more energetic members. While thoroughly appreciating the long and valuable services rendered by Mr. Cock and those with whom he has been associated in administering the affairs of the board for a lengthy period, his. public spirit affords an excellent example of propriety and expediency that will be generally commended. We are living in a time of great changes, needing new methods, and, above all, sound and bold initiative, instead of, as Mrs. Burgess pointed out, "meeting once a month but dojng nothing else." The recent meeting of the board contained incidents that pointed a moral on the divergence between old methods and new, and we are confident that the public will heartily welcome and support any new departure which will ensure a live policy and ample funds for the 7nnintenance r.nd beautifying of the park on lines approved by the curator, who is (he foremost authority in the Dominion on such matters.