WORK IN RECREATION

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 2

WORK IN RECREATION

NEW PLYMOUTH WRITINGS A booklet entitled "Parks and Reserves — a policy for local bodies" containing two addresses by New Plymouth citizens, the Hon. James McLeod, M.L.C. and Mr. T. Horton N.D.H. (N.Z.), on the vital problems of present and future provisions for recreation, has been issued bj the Department of Internal Affairs. In a foreword, the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, pays tribute to the authors of these addresses, which he fully endorses, and their merit may be valued from the fact that the department has republished them in full. Mr. Parry says: "When the Hon, James McLeod, M.L.C., as president of the conference of chairmen of rcserves committees, park superintendents, and curators of reserves, saw fit to make a statement on "The Policy of a Parks and Reserves Department, with special reference to Physical Fitness,' he crystallised much of the thought on physical work that was occupying the minds of public men and responsible officers of central and local government. This statement had a beneficial .effect, as it set a standard in the community. As the years go by the standard must rise and then Mr. McLeod's work will be looked to as a book of reference— a milestone of progress. "Mr. T. Horton, N.D.H. (N.Z.), park director of New Plymouth, in outlining 'The History and Development of Parks and Reserves in New Plymouth,' traced in a general way the development of many other reserves in this country. This seems to me to lead naturally to the development of the policy for the future. The combination of the efforts of these two far-sighted and able men has produced a neat unit that should benefit the community in a very marked way. "I appreciate the privilege of endorsing the statements in this little book, and have pleasure in commending them to you, as a member of the public, that you may be moved to lend your aid to developing a full and complete programme for the best use of our wonderful open spaces throughout the country."