EXTRA SPORTS AREAS

Chronicle (Levin), 21 October 1948, Page 2

EXTRA SPORTS AREAS

Scheme To Acquire Land Again Discussed Following a meeting of the War Memorial Committee on MQnday night, a joint meeting of the War Memorial Committee and sports bodies' delegates decide'd to support the recommendation forwarded to the Otaki Borough Council last month, that 17 acres of land at the south end of Matene Street be acquired as part of the War Memorial scheme. An executive committee was set up to discuss ways and means of raising the necessary finance. A recommendation from the War Memorial Committee, that' a sub-committee be set up to try and arrive at an approxlmate cost of the scheme, did not meet with the approval of the joint meeting. The chairman, Mr. C. F. Atmore, in submitting the recommendation, stated that the War Memorial Committee had an open mind on the matter, but as the scheme to acquire land was a fairly big one, more time should be taken to go' further into details. Mr. H. W. Hakaraia opposed this idea, considenng that a golden opportunity existed at present to secure the land. "If we make up our mind to, we will rai/e the money," he added. Support for these views was forthcoming from Messrs G. McKmiey, F. Edwards and C. Pussell. On a question being asked as to whether ciubs interested in acsuiring the land would be prepared to share the cost of its upkeep, several delegates gave a definite assurance in the' affirmative, but Mrs. Alex. Wilson considered that facts and figures shouid be placed before the committees, otherwise the council might have "to. carry the baby and pay the bills, too." The chairman invited discussion on the relative merits of two schemes, pointing out the advantages of extending the present j domain, its easy access and park- j ing facilities. Mr. Hakaraia reiterated that No. 1 scheme had been approved in the main, and that the War Memorial Committee should fail in line. "They have a building but no land," he added. "Tne council has power to buy land for public halls, etc." He moved that the land under discussion be bought. This was seconded by MJf. F. Edwards. Speaking to the motion, the chairman and other speakers assured Mr. Hakaraia that what was desired was a scneme all would support, and no harm could come from investigating the proposals more fully. Mrs. T. Synnott could not see any reason .to move from the present domain, where a grandstand and pavilion were erected. "It seems upside down to me to go right away from what is alreaay there," she added. -"If you can't afl'ord a tliing you don't rush in and buy it," said Mrs. A. Wilson. She asked what tne scheme would cost, stating that the revenue from the present domain was not sufficient to support it and quoting sports organisations in Otaki that were self supporting. The speaker added that she nad no intention of criticising the scheme, but only wanted to be practical about ic. She thought the first step should be to set up a sub-committee to go into the cost and try and ascertam what sum wouid be available by way of rental. Mrs. E. Taylor was of the opinion that the first move should be to ascertain where the money was i to come from. "We will have to tell the council this;. they are not fairy godmothers," stated Mrs. Taylor when a remark was made implying that the council should nrovide necessary reserves.

Mr. Hakaraia replied: "We are here to decide on the site, let the councillors you elected look aftei it for you." Mr. Pussell said that if 'the sports bodies were given the ground, they wouid make a laige contribution towards its upkeep. Mr. B. Ryder favoured a modifled scheme, and suggested that the Memorial Hall should be erected first in fairness to all. Not only should sports bo'dies bs considered. This pronipted the chairman to comment that the Memorial Hallj could not be decided on until a permanent site was in view. Mr. H. B. Edhouse offered the wholehearted support of the Returned Services' Association foi either scheme. Mr. R. Bills, Speaking for the Otaki Band and Otaki Volunteer Fire Brigade, stated that these organisations would work for whichever site the majoi'ity favoured. On being put to the meeting, the liiotion that the land be bought was carried, there bemg three dissenting voters. Following a suggestion by Mr. Hakaraia that the present domain be 'Sold to assist in flnancing the scheme, the history of the original Domain Board in Otaki was outlined, and the opinion expressed that as long as the proceeds were. ipplied to the purehase of another

domain, the council could dispose of it. i Mr. Atmore disagreed, and op,posed partiiig with the present domain. "Leave.that alone and go :®n °ther," he couiiselled. .He then invited all present to join 'the War Memorial Committee and ■ pull together." This was agreed Jto and 011 Mr. Atmore advising fuither that the council would not proceed to acquire the land until the cost of it was in sight, an exjecutive committee was appointed. This committee will meet in a iweek's time to further the financjing of the scjheme. Several practical offers of help were forthcoming. Mr. Edhouse advised that the R.S.A. had had an offer from the Tin Hat Club to stage a concert at an early date.' Mr. Hakaraia and Mr. W. Nicolls stated that the Maoris would help in any way, and a concert was being pianned. A queen carnival was mooted and also a matinee race meeting, and it was generally agreed that an early start could and should be made to rise further monies.