THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 219, 21 June 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1872.

The result of the deputation to the Goldfields Secretary and Mr Mackay yesterday, on the subject of the proposed Recreation Ground, is so far satisfactory that it shows that some action is being taken in the matter which we feared had been suffered to go to sleep. As regards the site on the peninsula across the Kauaeranga Creek, we arc afraid the natives will ask a very high price for it, as it is known that private speculators have been negotiating about it. Mr Mackay and Mr Daniel Tookcy, who are botli well acquainted with the modes of thinking and acting amongst the Maoris, have promised to assist the Government in acquiring this land, and we feel quite sure that these gentlemen will keep that promise, and do what they can, but we are afraid that in the end the price demanded will be more than the Government is either willing or able to give. Mr Mackay suggested that, in addition to the site on the flat, a portion of the Otunui Block might be obtained from the natives for a domain, for which, in many respects, it is suitable, but does not possess equal advantages with the other site for a rifle range, cricket ground, race course, &c. Mr Davies suggestad that as there was no eligible site in the centre of the townships, it would be well to have a recreation ground at Tararu as well as at the opposite end. He stated that lie had spoken on the subject to Mr Graham, who had offered a site on reasonable terms. This proposition, however, did not appear to be popular with the rest of the deputation, and was not pressed. The matter is for the present left in the hands of Mr Mackay, who, together with Mr Tookcy, will endeavour to effect a negotiation with the Maori potentates, but we are not sanguine ol any very successful issue being arrived at.' Mr Sheehan, Goldfields Secretary, and Mr Mackay, who proceeded to

Auckland yesterday, are to be here again on Monday or Tuesday next, when a further conference will probably take place. The want of a proper recreation ground lias been long acknowledged, and it is now felt that it has been postponed too long. Land, which a year or two ago might have been had in all probability at a reasonable price, lias risen in value, and tbe Maoris are sure to take advantage of this. It will not, therefore, do to ho too precipitate in the matter, and, on the other hand, no longer time than is absolutely necessary should be lost. One point which was not. urged yesterday ought also not to be lost sight of in connection with this question, that is to provide a more suitable burying ground than our present cemetery, which is altogether about as bad a site as could possibly have been chosen for the purpose. This question will force itself more and more upon us as the townships get larger and population increases. It is possible that in the fullness of time the foreshore will be redeemed and handed over as an endowment to a Thames Municipality, and care should be taken that a portion of this is reserved to the public. But, in the mean time, the opportunity should pot be lost of securing a site, if possible, in the vicinity of the Kauacranga, and, if the funds would permit, we see no reason why a reserve at Tararu should not also he made available, especially if it can be got at a reasonable price. The advocates of the Tararu site point out the facilities of access afforded by the tramway, which in a very short time will be extended to Graliamstown wharf, and this is worth attention. Whatever difference may exist as to the exact locality for the recreation ground, the necessity of having one, at all events, is admitted on all sides. If Mr Mackay and Mr Tookcy succeed in preventing any private speculator slipping in between the Government and the natives in this matter, they will have accomplished much towards removing a very formidable difficulty as regards the peninsula site. The Goldfields Secretary stated yesterday that the Government was most anxious to have this question satisfactorily settled, and would find the money if the natives will come to reasonable terms, but there, we are afraid, will be the great difficulty. Wc shall be most agreeably surprised if we find ourselves mistaken. The majority of the deputation were evidently of opinion that the site on the peninsula was the best, if it could be obtained. We see no reason, however, why the suggestions as to securing other reserves should not be carried out, provided the money can be spared, and if it should be found that the favourite site cannot be secured except at an enormous cost, some other must be selected. A recreation ground lias become absolutely necessary to the health of the inhabitants of the Thames, who, in many sanitary points, arc not too well off at the present time, and promises to bo less so for the future, until more care and attention are paid to the subject, and a greater share of money devoted to the purpose.