Named For The Mayor

Up where the Turanganui Golf Course used to be an area has been set aside for recreation. By a recent decision of the City Council it is to be known as the Harry Barker Reserve.

Thus Gisborne will perpetuate the name of its Mayor, whose term of office has seen a remarkable transformation in the city -- a transformation which is not yet complete, but which has gone a long way towards putting Gisborne "on the rails". In this transformation Mr Barker has been the undoubted guiding light and chief architect, aided by progressive and competent councils and council officers.

Here are some of the main achievements in Gisborne during the last decade:

Twenty miles of concrete footpaths where none existed 10 years ago.

In addition, 20 miles of bitumin footpaths upgraded and now classified as first class.

Fifty miles of kerbing and channelling completed.

Of 70 miles of streets in the city, only 14 remain unsealed. Twenty miles sealed in the last eight years.

Six new concrete bridges built.

Average availability of water increased from 9,500,000 gallons per week to 16,500,000 gallons. Extensions now nearing completion will provide a still further increase with a peak of 37,000,000 gallons per week.

New sewerage works designed for a population of 45,000 people. Sewerage extended to an additional 4000 people in the past seven years. It is expected that within three or four years sewerage will be available to the remaining 4500 people.

In addition there have been a host of lesser projects completed in the never-ceasing campaign to maintain and promote the town's amenities and facilities, not least of which has been the provision of a modern building for the Council itself.

In all of these, and in many other important steps in the promotion of the district, such as the provision of a modern airport and new highways from north and south, Mr Barker has played a leading part either directly or as an advocate for the city and its district's claims. It is indeed fitting that his name is to be perpetuated in the naming of the Harry Barker Reserve.