Correspondence

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 22 January 1915, Page 3

Correspondence

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, I have noticed in the last two issues of your worthy paper, letters by Dr. Macdiarmid and “ Old Sport ” re Bowling Green and Recreation Ground. As I happen to have the honour of being secretary of the Society which “Old Sport ” considers as dead as the proverbial herring, allow me to explain a few matters in connection with the idea which was first mooted by the Huntly Athletic Society. In the first instance the Huntly Athletic Society was formed and their first Annual Sports meeting proved an undoubted success, mainly through the untiring efforts of a few of the Huntly citizens, and at a meeting shortly afterwards, when the balance sheet was presented, it was found to show a good balance in hand. It was then “ mooted ” to work up public interest in acquiring a piece of land suitable for recreation purposes including a cycling and running track, bowling green, tennis court, shooting ground football and cricket grounds etc,, etc. (I may here state that not one person associated with any of the above pastimes outside of the Sports Club took the least interest in the matter until recently,) as well as a breathing space for the public. The piece of land that was deemed suitable was that large area behind the Miners’ Hall and adjoining the lake. A deputation was formed and the directors of the Taupiri Coal Co. willingly journeyed to Huntly to meet them, and went over the above mentioned ground in company. The company wore ready and willing to lease the area, whicn would consist of about 12 acres; for a comparatively small rental as well as assist in levelling etc., free of charge. It was then that the Town Board scheme came into our minds, and when the surveyor came to Huntly the same deputation including members of the Town Board proceeded to, and arranged to prepared plans etc., of the ground which was satisfactory to all concerned, end all that is keeping us back now, are those plans, which I have been informed will arrive shortly, and be placed before the public. Then as “Old Sport” himself knows that the second Annual Sports Meeting of the Huntly Athletie Club was to have taken place on December sth, 1914. but owing to the recent terrible disaster which occurred in our midst wo were deprived of several of our committee, so we could not do otherwise than cancel the meoting in respect, to those who were so unfortunate. But let me say that the club is not “ Dead ” nor has the idea of the Recreation Ground disappeared into space as some are inclined to think. A meeting is being called shortly, and then it will be seen if those who seem so anxious for the scheme which is being criticised so much will do their share in it along. I am, etc. S. DIXON, Hon. Secretary, Huntly Athletic Club.