THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 137, 18 March 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1872.

Ix December last liis Honor the Superintendent informed the joint committee appointed to take steps for securing a recreation ground at the Thames “ that the Government had placed a sum of money on the estimates for the purpose referred to.” (Subsequently the Provincial Council voted the requisite funds. On the 4th January the committee wrote to lii.s Honor, asking him to inform them whether the money was available, and if so, on what conditions, and also pointed out the necessity of imm diatc actio- , owing to the increasing va ue of land in the district. On the Dth January i.is Honor replied that the Government would “ take immed.ate action in the matter,” —and there the matter rests so far as we know. Hut it certainly ought not to be allowed to rest there. 1 lie money has been voted, the site selected, and we are not aware that there is any “ native difficulty,” as to the sale and purchase of the land. If there is, however, the public should j he informed of it, for they not unnaturally complain of the uncalled for delay which lias taken place. Many of our readers will visit Parawai racecourse to-day, and from thence can view the site of the intended recreation ground, than which no more appiopriate spot could he found in a circuit of many miles. The formation of a good road with a bridge across the Knuwncrnnga, and a very little labour added to the natural capabilities of the locality, would soon transform the ground into a public park, second to none in these colonies. Hill and dale, wood and water, cultivation and wild bush, are beautifully blended together in this charming locality, and no time should be lost in dedicating it to the public. If this be not done, some Pakelia landshark will manage to get the place from the natives, and lie abie to charge his own price tor it. Already, we believe, some negotiations with a view to attain this object have been entered into, but so far, we believe, are not

completed. It is not yet too late for the Government to redeem its promise in this matter, which is one of great importance to the place. The Thames promises, at no distant date, to be one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the colony, and it will be imperative ere long that reserves of public land should be made for the health of the inhabitants. The sooner this want is provided for the better. As time progresses we shall have to go farther a-field, and pay dearer for such accommodation, even if it can then lie had at all within any reasonable distance of the centre of population. This is one of those subjects which a Munici pality would be able to deal with far more effectually than our Local Hoards, who appear to have let the matter “go by the Hoard'’ altogether, after furnish- | ing their report. If the Superintendent I and his Executive are doing anything in the matter, they are keeping their doings uncommonly quiet. As to the necessity of a recreation ground at the Thames there can be no doubt whatever, nor that the site selected is a most eligible one, so well adapted by nature for the purpose, that very little alteration will be required to render it in every v,;j an ornament and credit to the locality. All that is wanted is a little more activity being displayed in the matter, otherwise a most eligible opportunity will have been neglected of supplying one of the great wants of the place. We trust the Superintendent or the “ Executive” will not postpone the matter any' longer, hut will at all events condescend to inform the public wliat action lias been taken since the date ot bis Honor’s last letter in the matter of the Thames Hecreation Ground.