Re Andrew Campbell article: 'Art In the Park”: Not doubt ‘Art in the Park' could be considered as a market, except for one thing that it cost the TCC nothing for artists to display their work other than Councils usual on going maintenance that would have to be carried out whether the park is used by the artists or not.
No mess incurred like there might be from a regular Market Place.
The colourful art that is displayed on a Saturday morning gives character to Mount Maunganui, I have taken visitors there and happy that it sometimes coincides with ‘Art in the Park' from there I take my visitors to tour the shops and always, always have lunch in one of the many lovely pleasant cafés along the street.
To date I have never known anyone to have been disappointed with Mount Maunganui, and the art display is an added bonus. With a cost of $3250 annually inflicted on the artists that Andrew stated would mean I am sure, the demise of the ‘Art in the Park' altogether, because this is not the same art display that some of the same artists have for sale at Baycourt once a year for a $1000 a painting mused over by regular art connoisseurs; no way could one get that money at ‘Art in the Park' sales; albeit, with the majority of the artist sitting in the park all day not selling a thing.
I cannot say any more about this lunacy, other than the Tauranga City Council, should think this idiotic plan over again and remembering the old adage about, 'Spoiling the ship for a halfpennyworth of tar!” because eventually I am sure they will.

Ray Jones, Otumoetai.