Recreation Reserves.

The town is well off for breathing places. The chief is the Recreation Reserve on the Town Belt, which is partly laid out as a racecourse, and is acknowledged to be about the best in New Zealand. The Caledonian Society have also a space railed off, where their athletic sports take place annually on St. Andrew's Day.

The Rifle Range, containing three targets, is immediately beyond the racecourse, where more than one champion shot of the felony has trained.

Cook's Gardens is an open place, entrance to which is obtained from four points, viz., St. Hill-street, Guyton-street, Wilson-street. It is a great playground, and, being situated in the centre of the town, is much used by the children. It is well planted with trees round the outside.

Queen's Gardens is a similar space, but more hilly, and only recently reclaimed, enclosed in which now stands the remains of the old Rutland Stockade, now used as a gaol, and looks like some rid fort of the middle ages frowning over the Courthouse, which is at the foot of the hill.

There is also another space at St. John's Hill, which is known is Victoria Park, and is in great request for cricket, picnics, &c.