PROPOSED PARK.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 June 1920, Page 3

PROPOSED PARK.

SPORT'S BODIES IN ACCORD,

A further conference between the Helensville Town Board and representatives of the various local sports bodiss, in connection with the proposed park for Helensville, was held in the Town Board office on Tuesday evening, when the following were present: — Helensville Town Board: Messrs Jas. Stewart (chairman), C. West, and T. D. Johnson; Helensville Cricket Club: Messrs N. Wallace, F. W. Strange and Rev. P. Bridge ; Helensville Golf Club : Mr A. J. Hill; Helensville Tennis Club: Messrs W. E. Barnard and C. J. >JJlaridge ; Awaroa Bowling Club : Messrs R. Smith, Barnard, senr., ■\<jjL R. Walters and J. H. Leonard ; Helensville Football Club: Messrs M. Matheson and J. K. Stewart. The various clubs interested - i;n the proposal had held meetings in connection with this matter, and came to the conference with resolutions unanimouslyapproving of the scheme proposed. The proposals put before the various meetings were : — " That the Helensville Town Board be asked to take necessarysteps to acquire : (a)' The property of Mr D. Stewart adjoining the bowling and tennis > grounds in Awaroa Road for cricket and football grounds. (b) Taking over of the bowling and tennis grounds and making provision for croquet j lawns. c) Taking over portion of Mr F. W. Strange's property for golf links. The cricket delegates reported that the club had given its whole-hearted support to proposals A and B, and had left proposal C to the discretion of the delegates at the conference. Mr A. J. Hill, who represented the Golf Club, stated that the club was unanimously in favour of the proposal. It was reported that an inspection of the ground required for golf links had been made. By cutting out the flat on Mr F. W. Strange's property, and tak ing in portion of Mr D. Stewart's hill property on the western side and portion of Mr Strange's hill on the eastern face, excellent links would be available. The probable cost of ground for golfing purposes would be £1200. Mr Barnard reported that the Tennis Club had passed the following resolution: That the Helensville Tennis Club strongly approves the scheme for sports and recreation grounds, and will participate providing the Town Board takes over the liability of the club, and the rights of members are adequately safeguarded. The resolution adopted by the Awaroa Bowling Club was also read : The Awaroa Bowling Club supports the scheme of the Town Board for sports and recreation ground, and will join in same (the Board to take over the whole of the liabilities of the Club) providing the existence of the Club and the rights of its members are secured to the satisfaction of the Club. The area to be acquired for cricket and football purposes amounted to about 9H acres. The cost of acquiring this would be —approximately —£1250. The revenue to be derived from the various grounds was estimated at somewhat as follows : — Golf links : Members subs and casual players £66, grazing £75. Cricket and football: Subs £30, extra £10, grazing £65. Bowling green: Subs, etc., £75. Tennis courts : Subs, etc. £30. "The coat of acquiring the whole of the properties mentioned —an area of between 60 and 70 acreswas estimated at £3250. Interest at 6 per cent would total £195 ;■<£* .r^r year, caretaker's wages i^€tfould be £200, casual labour £50, total £445. This would leave a deficiency of about £80 T^er year, which could be met -Avith a general rate of one-sixth of one penny in the £. The opinion was expressed that the estimates of revenue were very convervative, and that substantial increases were Likely in several instances, notably from golf. Mr West was in favour or acquiring a yet bigger area it \\ were at all possible. Land would cost more later on, it was as well to get in now. He was in favoui JC also of putting every possible detail of the proposal before the the ratepayers. _ After further discussion, the following resolution,moved by Mi f W. Strange, and seconded by Mr C West, was carried unanimously: That this conference of the Town Board and loca

sports bodies request the Board to complete in detail the scheme for a sports and recreation ground, and then take steps to call a meeting of ratepayers and place the detailed scheme before them.

Mention was made that a certain amount of opposition to the proposal wad bound to be met with, and one delegate stated he would have been more satisfied had some of the opposition come to the meeting and expressed their views. They would, however, have ample opportunity of expressing their opinions at the public meeting.

It was decided to get a golf expert to go over the ground, and give an opinion of the most suitable nine hole course that could be laid out.