CAMBRIDGE RECREATION GROUNDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1490, 21 January 1882, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE R ECREATION GROUNDS.

Cambridge Domain Board is now in a position to devote a considerable revenue to the improvement of the reserves, set apart for public recreation purposes. A few months ago it disposed of a considerable part of the domain property on leasehold for a term of .twenty-one years, and this land will according to the conditions of lease, be improved by planting fencing, and being sown down in grass at the cost of the lessees. The portion thus taken does not,' however, interfere with the pnblic reserves for recreation purposes. On the,contrary,. it will enable the board from the revenues derived therefrom to put the residue in proper trim. After the 10th February next the Domain Board will be in receipt of a clear annual income of £322 2s 3d, — the preceding half -year's rent being devoted to defraying the expenses of the sale and survey of the leased property. That is a considerable reveuue and if administered t with care and discrimination should go far towards placing Cambridge in possession of a domain, which would be at once an ornament and a boon to the place. It is believed that the lake will be the first portion of the reserve to which attention will be directed. There is, however, an objection to that course. The condition of its .banks arid the weedy state of the water will, necessitate the expenditure of much time ' and capital before anything like marked improvements can be wrought. ~ There is, however, another, 'and we contend, a more eligible portion under, the circumstances, to which we would direct attention, and. which we think, judging from the natural beauty of its situation, could be be put in trim with comparitive trifling expenditure. This portion to which we reter comprises several acres of low-lying land on the banks of -the Karapiro, a full view of which may be, obtained from the vicinity ot the .target-grounds. A walk could be constructed fr&nv about the water-fall, along the'bank f Jof the stream to the- spot referred to, and continued thence along .both sides of the river for a considei-able distance, probably not less than a mile.' Very little clearing would be required, and, with a few , trees here and there, together with the erection of seats, a handrail bridge, &c, this portion of the domain would be converted into a magnificent recreation ground, which, no doubt, would become a favourite resort for the townspeople on pleasure bent. The lake, from the 'condition of the surrounding grounds, could never possibly be made a favourite resort, and as the above ground is both convenient, picturesque, and in other respects suitable we would recommend it to the Board as the scene of their inaugural pursuits. If the whole work cannot be undertaken at once, it might be proceeded with by instalments ; a first start being made at an early date.