SOUTH PARK SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1938, Page 2

SOUTH PARK SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT. The eighth annual report of the South Park Society states:—“Another year of continued useful work, has been done by the South Park Society, for the benefit of the children from all parts of the town, who go to the South Park and enjoy themselves in the fresh air and sunshine, and also get exercise on the vast amount of apparatus which has been erected in years past, at a cost of £4OO which is now a great asset to the rising generation thus keeping them off the road, and out of the way of the ever increasing motor traffic. Years come and go with increasing accidents on the road, and one must realise that the children of Masterton are exceedingly fortunate in having five acres of open space at South Park to play in. The citizens who gave time and money in helping such a worthy cause, should feel well rewarded with what has been done to make South Park one of the best equipped and economically managed children’s playgrounds in New Zealand. It is one of the few parks which does not put the ratepayers to the expense of keeping a permanent caretaker. Some of the apparatus has been tar-sealed during the past year. It is intended to tar seal more during the coming year, as the ground soon becomes worn away with the extensive use by the children if not tar sealed. All the seats, gates, and the fence round the apparatus were painted last spring, which has greatly improved the appearance, and everything is in good order.

The fence which was erected round the apparatus two years ago to keep the sheep from camping on the asphalt when feeding off the grass, has proved quite satisfactory. A mob of sheep in the park now and again is the most economical way of keeping the grass short, a good top dressing of lime was put on the grass last month, which is now looking particularly well. The pruning of the trees and hedge has made a wonderful improvement to the appearance of the park, and they are making a vigorous growth now, giving good shade and shelter to many who go there in the hot weather and find it a boom to get out in the fresh air, away from their houses.

During the year the caretaker had reported, that a fair amount of damage had occurred in the Park by some person unknown, and it was decided to place the matter in the hands of the police, a report from Sergeant T. H. Dyer was received, and the action of the police was very much appreciated by the committee. It is hoped that the steps taken by the police will have effect of stopping further vandalism. We would like to express our appreciation to the Mayor and Councillors for the helpful way in which the society has always been met, with a grant towards the upkeep of the park, the expenses of which are kept down to a minimum. The cost is negligible, but the results are valuable to the extreme. Our report would be incomplete without acknowledging the efficient help always so willingly rendered by the borough engineer (Mr C. R. Mabson) which is greatly appreciated by the committee. Our best thanks are extended to the Press for the liberal publicity given at all times emphasising the benefit of health giving exercise with fresh air and sunshine for the children. We also extend thanks to those who have given donations and help during the past year. —F. E. J. Ratcliffe, President.