NEW SPORTS GROUND

Chronicle (Levin), 24 June 1947, Page 4

NEW SPORTS GROUND

SITE SELECTED FOR USE BY EASEBALL CLUBS A possible solution to the ihability of' Levin's playing areas to satisfactorily accommodate both cricket and baseball was revealed at a meeting of the Levin Borough Council last night. The Mayor, Mr. H. B. Burdekih, stated that" some four acres Of council property near the gasworks was available fof the formation, of a temporary ground until such time as Playford Park was available. The ground had been ihspected by the baseball representatives ahd they had been favourably imnressed with the site.

According to Cr. A. O. Powell, Who had inspected the grounds with representatives of the Baseball Associatioh, some eXpenditufe would be, necessary as changing rooms and showers were needed, and the ground required levelling and re-turfing. The baseball people, said Cr. Powell, did not thmk'that the ground would be ready f6r this season, but he personally was not of that opinioh. Considerable help would be forthcpming from the members ahd ^ from Mr. E. J. Stanley and his boys at the Levin Training Centre.-They all seemed enthusiastic. In view of the timbet shortage it might be necessary to build the changing rooms out of pinus insignus, said Cr. PoWell. He urged that permission for the use of this material be granted by the council, as the structure would .be of a temporary nature. It was suggested by Mr. Burdekin that the matter of the grounds be referred to the works committee, with permission to expend up to '£100. It was pointed out hy Cr. F. E. Parker that the ground had originally been set aside for factories, and this should not be lost sight . of. The playing area would have to move should the land be required for building purposes. This Would be made clear, said Mr. Burdekin, and for that reason the changing sheds would be purely of a temporary nature. There would be-no great eXpenditufe on the grounds. Opposing this suggestion, Cr. W. Telford expressed the opinion that the gfOUnds should he eonsidered as a permanent playing area. "To my mind a further playing area apart from Playford Park is necessary to cope with "the growth of the town," he said. He would be verysofry to see the* ground made -a temporary one. That decision was entirely one for a future council, said Mr. Burdekin. Meanwhile, the buildings would "have to be erected in such a manner as to be easily removed.