RANGITAIKI DOMAIN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 26, 21 November 1944, Page 5

RANGITAIKI DOMAIN

EDGECUMBE SPORTS AREA

PURCHASE OF NEW SITE

Considerable interest was evoked at. a well attended public meeting held at Edgeeumbc. convened by the IJangitaiki Domain Board. The chairman, Mr O. V. Marx in his address recalled that when the new Board was elected in October 1942 5 it was charged with the task of securing a more. Central site, owing to the present domain being too far away. This said Mr Marx had by no means been of an easy nature and its- object had resulted in much correspondence and protracted negotiations. The. Board however had been very fortunate in securing ah option over a most desirable site and in reporting progress, desired the views and further instructions from the public. When the chairman mentioned disposing of the present domain it brought a very emphatic "no" from Mr J. Colcbroo'k who pointed out that the area had keen given to the people many years ago and he saw no reason- for its disposal . Mr lan B. Cow said the ma Iter was of real public interest but the exchange of sites would never be achieved unless the public were in total agreement. 'The only way to stop the drift to the towns is to bring some of the city amenities to the rural population" said Mr D. S. Radclilfc and he Avcnt on to speak of the great need of centralised sporting and social recreations in the growing Edgecumbe district. In the discussion that followed several speakers concurred with Mr Radclifl'e's views a-ud expressed the opinion that a good deal of uneasiness was prevalent at the lack of action in a most, important matter affecting the welfare of the people.

Oti the- chairman calling for. a re&o hit ion Mr F. R. Snellirig movcil: "That the new site be purchased by public subscription the domain lo remain in its present situation." Speaking to the motion Mr Snelling congratulated the Board on its ■work. Mr J. Colebrook in seconding the motion, offered to help in any way he could providing no conflict resulted regarding his views of the location of the present domain.

An amendment moved by Mr II Wilson found no support.

The motion was carried, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the, chair.

Commenting later } Mr Marx expressed his pleasure on the<spirit of complete, unanimity prevailing and the confidence in the Board. The money required he felt would lie subscribed and the Avork of providing an area for the encouragement of sport and recreation would proceed without delay.