Hagley Park

is situated to the north and south of the Public Gardens, with which it is connected by two foot-bridges over the Avon, and is page 79divided into two by the Riccarton-road. It contains about 400 acres, and was presented to the people o£ Canterbury by a number of English well-wishers of the Canterbury settlement. A broad road runs round the whole of it, and it is surrounded by thriving belts and avenues of English trees, such as oaks, ash, sycamores, elms, birch, etc., which have already attained considerable size, and show a vigour of growth unknown in their native country. There are also large numbers of Californian pines and similar trees, all growing well. In the southern part of the park there are several extensive cricket-grounds, on which numerous matches are played during the season. There are numerous shady footpaths in all parts of the park, extending in length to a total of ten miles. Besides these, several grass rides for horsemen have lately been formed, and are much used. The central portions of both parks is at present allowed to remain in the state of pasturage, as the rent derived from it is the only fund available for carrying on the garden and parks. But it is intended that clumps of English and other trees should be distributed over the whole surface, so as to produce the genuine appearance of an old English park.

The park and gardens are under the management of a Board nominated by the Government, and the Curator is Mr. J. F. Armstrong.