BEAUTIFYING SOCIETIES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10692, 13 August 1912, Page 6

BEAUTIFYING SOCIETIES.

(To the Editor Wairarapa Age.)

Sir, —In this progressive age movements spread rapidly from the large centres of population to the most remote parts of the country, as witness the musical and elocutionary competitions and beautifying societies now in existence, all liaving sprung up in a very short space of time. Both have an educational effect of the very high- ] est value, and deserve tho liberal support that has generally been bestowed upon them. Masterton, not to be behind the times, Las just finished with its competitions, and is now turning its attention to beautifying the town as much as circumstances will allow. Nor could public spirited men find a .more worthy object. It is but natural that people should make as much of themselves and their surroundings as possible. Scenery is a valuable national asset, and to this fact our Government is keenly alive, as is shown by the Tourist Department and the means they take to bring under the notice of travellers anything worth seeing. Whether or not Masterton is to be included in the itinerary for tourists in tho future will no doubt depend to a great extent upon ourselves and what we have to offer. We have an ideal park, for which Nature lias done a deal, but which Art could greatly improve. It is all a question of moans; but if citizens are to be more liberal with their "suggestions" than with financial assistance we can't expect the Society to make a success of it. We want it to be a place, in which wo can take an honest pride, and which we can show to visitors, without the dread, of having to listen to unfavourable comparisons with other places o.f the kind. Here children could romp and play while their elders looked.on : young couples wander about and do their love-making; convalescents ,arid invalids sit inhaling the perfume of roses, carnations, and other sweetsmelling flowers, likewise the business and professional man could here vtire for a spell, and in admiring the beauty of the scene forget his cares and troubles. In fact, the object appeals to all classes in tho. community. ory likely the banks of the river could be turned into a promenade, but that is a matter of detail. Above all, it must, bo .borne in mind that this movementf is free from anything either political or sectarian, being purely social. Liberals, and Socialists, believers and unbelievers hero meet on common ground, and are "eligible" to contribute to the fund. As numerous entertainments are sure to lie held in aid of the same, it is to be honed they will be well patronised, and to the general public I would say in the words of the- showman -"If you can't come, yourselves, don't forget to send the money."—l am, etc. 'STRANGER. Masterton, August 11th, 1912.