2 J. H. MAIDEN. 



definition which only needs a little amplification for the 

 purposes of a controller of parks, whatever his functions 

 may be. 



The objects of a public park are to assist in securing 

 rest and recreation for the people, to promote their mental 

 and physical health and enjoyment, and no steps should be 

 taken which will limit the realization of these objects. 



Anyone who has looked into the matter must have been 

 struck with the paucity of literature referring to parks, at 

 all events as regards Australia, yet the subject is of very 

 high importance. Much has been written in ephemeral 

 literature in regard to the aesthetic and health-giving 

 advantages of parks, but very little, I think, concerning 

 questions involved in their practical working, at all events 

 by those who speak from personal experience of their 

 management. While a controller of parks I have not taken 

 a mechanical view of my duties, and have made it my 

 endeavour that the parks shall not lag behind in the general 

 march of progress which is characteristic of our country 

 and our age. As a public servant I have my limitations 

 •of speech, but I express the opinion that, since the parks 

 belong to the people, their enjoyment of them should be 

 catered for to the fullest extent, and there should be no 

 interference with free action on the part of a citizen in his 

 enjoyment of his park other than is necessary in the 

 interests of the citizens as a whole. 



b. Sydney Parks, — hoiv vested and controlled. — By the 

 courtesy of Mr. H. Curry, Under Secretary for Lands, 

 and of Mr. Henry Selkirk of the same Department, I 

 am enabled to give the following legal and statistical infor- 

 mation in regard to the public parks of Sydney. These 

 public grounds are not all controlled in the same way, nor 

 administered under the same Act of Parliament. There 

 are principally three classes : — 



