RACING ON PARK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 29 November 1939, Page 9

RACING ON PARK

GOLF CLUB’S CONCERN REMARK BY MAYOR BOARD’S VIEW EXPLAINED ENTHUSIASM EXPRESSED

Concern was expressed by the Gisborne Park Golf Club in a letter to the Gisborne Borough Council, sitting as the Makaraka Domain Board, last night on a remark made by the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., regarding the prospects of racing being renewed on the Park Domain. “Following the decision of the Minister of Lands that racing is not now permitted on the Makaraka Domain,”

the club wrote, “my committee views with concern u remark passed by the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, at a recent meeting of your board and published in the Gisborne Herald, to the effect that ‘we live in hope that if will be used again.’ “As my club is directly concerned with the use of the domain, we would appreciate any informative particulars you may be able to supply us regarding the reasons for Mr. Coleman's statement, considering the definite attitude the Minister has adopted against racing on the Domain." , Secretary’s Reply The secretary of the board. Mr. W. M. Jenkins, reported that he had replied’ setting out the attitude of the board. "Neither the chairman nor any member has been opposed to the continuation of racing at the domain,” Mr. Jenkins wrote. “On the contrary, they have been enthusiastic for the return of racing, not only as a means of popularising the domain but also, as a source of revenue to enable the domain and its amenities to be properly maintained and further improved. “I do not consider your club need be alarmed at the prospect of the return to racing at the domain; it would not seriously interfere with the activities of your club, except possibly two days 'during your season at most. It must, too, be remembered that the domain was not specifically purchased for use as a golf course." The reply was endorsed by Die board. Removal of Trees An emphatic protest was made by the club to the board’s decision’ to cut down a large number of trees on the domain. The trees at the rear of the grandstand were good shady specimens. and it would take a number of years before their purpose could be fully replaced. As the aerodrome was not being used now, the lopping of the trees might suffice in the meantime. No further action was taken, and the letter was received.