Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/103

 has since been planted out in eucalypti and palms, and margined off in rock work, containing suitable plants for this class of gardening.

A fountain occupies the centre of the grounds, around which, artistically laid out, are four large panel beds with Spring, Summer, and Autumn bedding plants of gorgeous colouring. Inside the fountain basin, water lilies (Nympheæ) have been planted.

Near the fountain the Park Observatory is situated, where records of the meteorological conditions are taken daily by Mr. Burnett.

The Park is adorned with a number of statues, the chief one being that of Queen Victoria, which was unveiled on 24th May, 1899, by the Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly. This statue, which was designed by Mr. Williamson, was the first statue of the Queen erected in New Zealand.

A flag staff is erected on the apex of the slope, and here are located a collection of field guns, from the Crimean and South African Wars, as well as a number of trophies from Gallipoli and the battlefields of France, the latter having been presented to the City by the Defence Department.

On the western side of the Park, facing Wellesley Street, are situated the Public Library, Art Gallery, and Old Colonists' Museum, which add additional pleasure to the visitors to the Park grounds.