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Parade Garden. 



This Garden, more than 7 acres in extent, is maintained as a Public Pleasure Garden in the capi- 

 tal of the Island. The amount of money available is not large enough to do all I could wish in order 

 to increase the value of the Garden, and also to make it a more popular place of resort 



The gates which I recommended for the east and west sides, have not been erected. I see no 

 objection whatever to a thoroughfare through a public garden. On the contrary I should like to in- 

 crease the thoroughfares from one to several. People who would not otherwise think of entering the 

 garden, will do so, if it is a short cut ; and I know from my experience of the London Parks what a 

 relief and a delight it is, to have a walk of even a few yards through grassy lawns and by brightly 

 coloured borders, and how those who are thus led unconsciously to appreciate some of the beauties of 

 nature, will return in their spare time, and get rest of mind and refreshment of soul. 



To maintain the garden, however, as one of the most frequented and popular places of resort in 

 the Island, and worthy of its position in the chief port and capital, it is absolutely necessary that it 

 should receive the most constant and unremitting care from a properly trained and energetic gardener, 

 and that he should have a fair complement of skilled labourers, and an adequate supply of garden 

 tools. Superintendents at 20s. or 30s. a week for the different gardens, —was the recommendation 

 made in the Report of the Special Committee in 1886, adopted by the Legislative Council ; but I say 

 without hesitation and after experience, that even if the Director spent the whole of his time in going 

 from garden to garden, and doing a Superintendent's work, the results with men that could be obtained 

 for such low wages would be utter failure. It might be possible for a short time to get a suitable 

 man at this rate, but he would naturally use the post only as a stepping stone to some appointment 

 where his services would be better appreciated and adequately remunerated. It is extremely difficult 

 to keep even labourers after they have received a minimum amount of training, and learnt todistinguish 

 the weeds from cultivated plants, or to use a lawn mower. It is reasonable that they shonld expect 

 better pay when they have gained some experience, and only natural in the event of their not receiving 

 more than unskilled men, that they should either relapse into careless mechanical work, or leave the 

 service for even less wages, and greater freedom. But not only is it necessary that the Kingston 

 Garden should have a trained Gardener as Superintendent, it is essential also for the business of the 

 Department that he should be an efficient agent in receiving and despatching plants by steamer or 

 railway, and in transacting such other work as may be necessary in the chief town. 



Regravelling of the pathways has been carried out, but great loss is experienced by the storm 

 waters flowing down from Upper King St., and washing the central walk. 



One of the finest Ficus was struck by lightning ; thus one of the best shade trees in the garden 

 has been lost. 



The garden has been provided with the electric light through the exertions of one of the Members 

 of the City Council, and it is now kept open until nine o'clock at night. This is a great boon to the 

 public, and is much appreciated. 



Visitors are gradually becoming more numerous, and as a rule there is scarcely any infringement 

 of the Regulations. 



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