MPROVEMENTS BEING MADE

Chronicle (Levin), 1 October 1946, Page 2

MPROVEMENTS BEING MADE

PARAPARAUMU SPORTS AREA For many years prior to the recent war one of the most popular New Year events for people in the Wellington district was the annual sports gathering at Paraparaumu. Favoured by a delightful' climate, a beautiful natural setting, a turf of rare quality, and within easy distance of Wellington itself, the Paraparaumu meeting attracted all thg leading talent in field events, including • the famous visiting teams from the' United States and South Africa. . During the war years activities were suspended, and last New Year's Day saw the resumption of the annual festival, which again proved the popularity of the fixture. The Paraparaumu Amateur Athletic Sports Club has now decided on an extensive campaign of improvements, and with the generous co-operation of district residents is putting in hand alterations which would, if they.had to be paid for, cost over £400. This work is being carried out on a voluntary basis by every section of the community as a contribution towards the beautification and improvement of the district. Last year work to the value of £500 was done in regrading and improving the surface of the playing field, over 140 people giving their services voluntarily. Every section of the community shared in the work; carriers lent their trucks and- services, carpenters built conveniences, painters and other tradesmen plied their skill, while others devoted their leisure to such tasks as the overseers desired. This season another band of enthusiastic workers js busily extending the playing field and lengthening the track by readjusting the croquet lawns. A new entrance road to the grounds is being reconstructcd on a higher level, and other improvements are planned to make this popular resort one of the most picturesque and useful sports groimds in' the Wellington province.