A RECREATION GROUND FOR NAPIER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3187, 15 September 1881, Page 2

A RECREATION GROUND FOR NAPIER.

A largely attended meeting of those interested in the formation of a company for the purpose of 6ecuriog a recreation ground for Napier was held in the Masonic Hotel last evening. Mr G. H. Swan, on being voted to the chair, said he had always considered that Napier labored under a great disadvantage in having no ground where the residents could have recreation. Whenever sports were organised it was necessary to go some distance into the country to hold them. He had mooted the matter in the Council, but did not receive much support. He considered it to be the duty of the rulers of the borough to devote a portion of the borough funds towards providing for the health and recreation of the burgesses. He was glad to think that a scheme had been devised by which a recreation ground would be provided within the borough.

Mr Monteith said there could be no two opinions as to the desirability of securing a recreation ground for the town. The Council had sub-divided the Town Hall reserre into sites for building, but no offer had yet been made for them. He had inspected the ground, and found it suitable for tbe purpose proposed— at anyrate it was the best obtainable within the borough. The reserve contained from four to five acres, and more could be taken in if the scheme j met with sufficient support to warrant it. He had not had time to canvas the town, but he had already received the names of gentlemen who were willing to take up 250 one pound shares. The actual capital required for the proposed scheme would be about £600, and he would suggest that a limited liability company be formed with a capital of £1000 in one pound shares. He had estimated the cost of fencing the ground at £150, and of turfing, &c, at between £300 and £400. The latter amount would also provide a pavilion. An income, which he estimated at £150 per annum after the first year, would be derivable from cricket and other athletic clubs. This would pay all working expenses, and probably leave a margin for improvements. He would suggest that 5s be paid on allotment of shares, and the remainder in calls of 5s as required, three months to elapse between each call. It was proposed to lease the reserve from the Corporation for 21 years or moTe at a progressive rental, and he thought it was desirable to form a provisional directorate to draw up a prospectus, and make other arrangements,

The Chairman said he believed that the Council would d> al liberally with a company formed for the purpose of making a recreation ground for the borough, more so than tjey proposed <o deal with single sections. He thought there would be no difficulty in getting a lease for 35 years on most advantageous terms. Mr Ellis said that there could be no doubt that the formation of a recreation ground would be a good thing for the town, and be a relief to the Corporation. Sporta hitherto held in the country would take place in the town, and the money spent at such sporta would remain in the town. If the scheme was floated he would give it his hearty support in the Council. Mr Neal said the Corporation had this land on their hands, and be was sure would be willing to place it in the hands of anyone who would make it into a recreation ground. Ifleasedtoa company the Corporation would derive a revenue from it in rates. The carrying out of details might be left with a provisional committee. He would move, " That this meeting considers it desirable that a limited liability company should be formed for the purpose of leasing the Town Hall reserve, with the object of forming it into a recreation ground." # Mr Leonard seconded the motion. He considered it very desirable that there should be a recreation ground within the borough. Many obstacles had been raised to their obtaining a suitable recreation ground, and it would be seen from the papers that the lease of the ground at Meanee, which the townspeople had been desirous of getting for a recreation ground, was about to be offered for sale. It would be well to secure a piece of the small quantity of land in the hands of the Corporation before it was too late. Mr Fulton referred to the success of a eimiliar company that had been formed down South. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Montdth then moved, " That the company be called the Napier Recreation Ground Company (limited), with a capital of £1000, in £1 shares." The motion was seconded by Mr Jacob 3 and carried. Mr W. Carnell moved that the follow ing should constitute a provisional directorate, with power to add to their number:—Messrs J. Close, W. Miller, R. H. Wall, G. H. Swan, J. Gilberd, F. Tuxford, H. Monteith, G. Faulknor, B. Lyndon, and Dr. Hitchinga. The motion was seconded by Mr Leonard and carried. On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved that Mr Sainsbury be solicitor to the company, and that Mr Monteith be secretary pro tern. The Hst of intending shareholders was then passed round the room, and 150 shares were added to the 250 already promised to Mr Monteitb. A vote of thanks to the chairman and eecretary brought the proceedings to a close.