Mayor Explains Development Proposed

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1948, Page 4

Mayor Explains Development Proposed

. The proposed scheme of development c for Playford Park was again put before the public when, at a meeting of citizens on Thurs- - day night, the Mayor, Mr. H. , B. Bhrdekin,. outlined the reasons for * the Levin Borough "Empowering (Playford Park) Bill now going through Parliament" and the effect it would phave on the ultimate project. . Mr. Burdekin explained that Mr. Henry Playford died in 1936 and bequeathe'd an area of 20 acres of land to . be used by the Levin Borough Council as a motor camp. The residue of his estate, including an area of freehold land of approximately 13 acres in extent, was left in trust, ^ the revenue therefrom to be used for the upkeep of the camp. "Mr. Playford had the idea of doing sofriething for Levin at a time when motor camps were not thought about a great deal," commented Mr. Burdekin. He explainr ed that the residuary ineome from the estate was so small that it was impossible therefrom to. maintain or create a proper camp as was envisaged by the testator. The Bill would put into effect the testamentary intentions of Mr. Playford. It empowered the sale of the land in the residuary estate so that the proceeds could be used for the creation and upkeep of" the proper facilities on Playford Park. Everyone realised that an area of 20 acres was too large for a motor camp, continued the speaker. The camp at Trentham, which held up to 2000 cars was only five acres. The Bill provided for the creation of a minimum of four acres for a motor camp, the balance to be for general recreaeional purposes. In the final layout of the 20 acres, there would be left an area which could be used to extend the camp if necessary. . The* sale of 40 building sites would make available some £7050, and it was anticipated that the cost of roading and survey would be £5743. Adjoining proper ty ownqrs had agreed to contribute some £900 towards the cost of the subdivision. It was visualised that a two-way road with Pnoenix paims down the centre would lead into the camp. This would leave a sum of £1037 towards the cost of the • development of the motor camp. Added to it would be certainJ moneys held by the Public Trustee and -a small amount of revenue in the estate, making a total of £1874. Already a small grant of £100 had been_ made by the Automobile Association (Wellington), and it was hoped that when the A.A. saw the fine job that was being done, it would help further. o Mr. Burdekin pointed out that under the terms of the will only a net amount of £11 per annum had been received during the past year for the development of the park. This indicated the j^itility of attempting to do anythmg under the scheme set out by Mr. Playford. Already a fair amount of money had been spent on the camp and the Levin Junior Chamber of Commerce had planted out 600 trees around the borders, he added. In monclusion, Mr. Burdekin gave an indication of what it was proposed to do with the balance of the 20 acres, and said that a meeting of all sports bodies would be called to discuss this matter. He pointed out that Levin was growing faster than most people realised,*. and that the recreation side of the town would have to be adequately cared for.