THE Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1877

Inangahua Times, Volume III, Issue 94, 26 March 1877, Page 2

THE Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1877

The want of a suitable public recrea* tion ground in Reefton has been long felt, and frequently adverted to in these columns, but unfortunately those who should have taken action in the matter have been so dilatory that almos*; every suitable piece of land has been otherwise occupied, and the community has been left almost without choice in the matter. One way of getting out of the difficulty has now been suggested which appears worthy of attention. The proposal is to form a joint stock company with a capital of say about £1000 io shares of £1 or £2 each to purchase the most suitable freehold within easy distance of the town, and to improve it so as to form a race course, cricket, sports, and picnic ground, The expenditure upon purchase, clearing, and fencing would constitute the chief items of etpenditure, and a good deat of course would depend upon the nature of the work of this class to be done, bat in view of the descriptions of the properties looked upon as coming within the range of suitableness for such a purpose the outlay would not be likely to- be disproportionate to the advantages and even profits of such an undertaking. The purchase could no doubt be accomplished upon easy terms, by which means the snbscrip" tion of the company's capital could be extended ever a long period, thus making the calls correspondingly light. The profits of the undertaking would consist possibly of sums charged annually ft* the use of the ground by the Jockey Club that is to be, the cricket club, football club, sports committee, and the conductors of societies' gatherings.. The annual revenue from these sources would equal something like £60 per annum, and the enclosure, securely fenced as it would be, migh b also command a considerable yearly revenue if let for grazing purposes. A grand stand with a refreshment stall and suitable accommodation would be a necessary adjunct, which provided with- a free license* as it would probably be, might also return something annually to the company's funds. The ground would furnish a favorite rendezvous* and promenade on all holiday occasions, and would give a healthy stimulus to field sports which have too long been kept back owing to the absence of a suitable and attractive place of resort. That the game of cricket will never thrive here until a suitable ground is provided for practice and matches has come to be generally recognised, and there is no doubt whatever that a proposal of some such character as that which we have sketched would, quite apart from any expectation of profit, receive the warmest encouragement and support of all true friend* of the game,. It would not be unreasonable to expect that the movement would be liberally subsidised by the County Council. However, this is just one of those undertakings which only requires somebody to make the first move, and the rest will follow. We trust therefore that those whose interest in the matter is really sincere will step, to the Front and earn for themselves the credit sf giving the proposal form and consistence. r