OTAKI DOMAIN MATTERS

Chronicle (Levin), 16 November 1946, Page 3

OTAKI DOMAIN MATTERS

CONSIDERATION BY BOROUGH COUNCIL A number of matters relating to, the use of the O'taki Domain by sports bodies and the maintenance of it came before the November meeting of the Otaki Borough Council. Firstly, Mrs. Housiax and Miss Snowson each wrote on behalf of softball clubs, applying for permission to use the ground during the ensuing season for this sport. An objection was received from the Otaki Croquet Club to the action of some players in climbing the fence into its land instead of entering by way of the gate, which was left open for that purpose. The council referred the matter to its domain committee to make suitable arrangements. Fees Paid by Clubs Mention was made of the fact that the Aces Club had been the only one to pay a fee for the year. The town clerk (Mr. Alex Wilson) advised that the sum of £74 14s 6d had been spent by the council last year in the maintenance of the domain. Some members of the council thought that all clubs using- the domain should be expected to contribute towards this cost. It was decided to make an annual charge of £2 2s for each baseball club, £3 for the Otaki Cricket Club and £3 for the Otaki Amateur Athletic and Cvcline Club.

Cr. Cook objected to the charges. He said it was the duty of the council to assist sport by providing playing areas. He pointed out that Levin was doing so. In answer to this latter point, attention was drawn to the fact that the Levin Borough Council was fortunate in that it received rents from a municipally-owned theatre and shops. Athletic Club's Request The Otaki Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club forwarded £1 ls for I the use of the domain- during its j 1945-46 season. It expressed regret I that the amount was not larger, i but its funds would not permit this. The club applied for the use of the domain for its 1946-47 j season, and pointed out that the I removal of the fence had created a danger in that children in particular could encroach on the cycling jand running traek and cause acci- ! dents. j Cr. Cook advised that the club i had encountered unfavourable i weather for its annual sports meet- | ing last year and had lost money as sa result. For that reason it had not been able to make a larger donation. i The request for the use of the ground was granted. Cr. Cook moved that a post and i rail fence be re-erected on a line j 15 feet from the steps of the grandIstand, extending from the northern 'boundary to the entrance gates for the • 'coiwendence' of the i >club, and for the protection of the public. Cr. Cook said he had been asked by the club to bring the matter forward, a fence being needed as a safeguard for the public. The police had been powerless to assist !as the people encroached on one end of the ground while the other !was being cleared.. The police, he added, considered it a waste of time to be in attendance at the ground. j Cr. Hakaraia considered the fence was absolutely necessary in : the interests of the public, -while 1 during the football season it had ■ been of considerable benefit. Cr. Bartosh had a different view: t He felt that portions of the ground I were spoilt by the erection of a ! fence. ■ Cr. Young said the matter would be better discussed with the interi ested sports bodies. ! It was then decided that representatives of the clubs and the ' domain committee meet on the : ground to discuss the matter. Removal of Gaol Posts I it was reported that the goal I posts left on the ground by the I Otaki Football Club had been 'removed, and a charge of five shili lings Iiad bccn made for doing so. | Cr. Cook did not think this was ] fair, particularly as other sports ' bodies had been more favourably jtreated. I Cr. Bartosh felt that the club had been leniently treated. Improvement^ of Ground Acknowledging the council's letter concerning the level of the domain, the Department of Agriculture wrote stating that the amount of vegetation turne.d under at ploughing, and the time lapse between that and rolling, was the cause of the bad level. However, the department would be pleased to have the ground inspected at the I first opportunity. It was desired that ground improvement be carried out and necessary draining. II was stated that the ground had been damaged by the playing of games during the very wet weather, but it was hoped that an early improvement would be eflected.