COLLEGE GROUNDS

Chronicle (Levin), 13 November 1946, Page 4

COLLEGE GROUNDS

DISCUSSION GN IMPROVEMENTS Considerable improvements to the playing fields, tennis courts and the grounds at Horowhenpa' College will be commeneed as soon a§ Pos_~ sible. This was . decided at last night's meeting of the Horowhenua College Advisory Committee after several sub-committees had report.ed on the state of the grounds and ihe approximate cost of improving them. In regard to the need for the cop-dressing of the tennis courts, Mr. E. D. Bell said he had been advised by Mr. W. H. Fraser, the Horowhenua County Council's engineer, that the top-dressing ot the area, which is 'six chains by two chains, would be approximately £280. Mr. Bell said that in view o| the high cost it would probably be preferable to wait until rnidT summer, when the sun would cause the tar to "bleed" and then cover che courts with a thin coat of sand. This would stave off the need of top-dressing for several nronths. He said that the top courts were in very good order, but those at the west end were in a bad state. This was due to the water lying on the courts after a heavy rain, and could be remedied by the digging of a stone drain at the west end, about 18 inches across and two chains in length, at an approximate cost of £10. After considerable discussion it" was decided to have the drain dug as soon as possible, and the rnatter of top-dressing was deferred for further consideration. Concerning the preparation of the 14 acres at the back of the college for football and cricket areas, ihe principal, Mr. N. A. Byrne, reported that one football ground could be improved each year, leaving fi\e grounds still available for play. Mr- J.' G. Horn said that he had contacted a contractor who caid that the work could be dcne easier if it were done in strips. This would involve two playing fields at the one time, and would cost approximately between £7* and £8 an acre. The only way in which ihe grounds would ever be satisfactory would be to plough, level, harrow and then roll them, maki'ng sure that all visible stones were removed. The grounds could then be sown with grass in the autumn. After a full discussion on the/ rnatter, the committee decided to have two grounds done at the one time, as Mr. Horn had suggested, and that the details be left to Messrs. Byrne arsd Horn. The failure of the trees along the main entrance to the college to grow satisfactorily due to lack of protection from the wind, and the further beautification of the southern boundary of the grounds was fully discussed. Mr. Byrne said that the only solution he could see would be to have the whole front area replanted. The trees were dying out due to the lack of sufficieni protection, and the appearance of che grounds would be ohe-sided if only the row of growing trees was left. It would be much better to have all the trees taken out and the area replanted. Mr. Bryne also said that a shrubbery could be planted on each side of the tennis courts, with a brush fence shelter or a macrocarpa hedge. It was decided to refer the whole rnatter to Mr. P. Black, an authority on the subject.