CYCLING TRACK ON EASTON. PARK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3599, 15 February 1927, Page 2

CYCLING TRACK ON EASTON. PARK.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON COUNCIL.

RACING ON ROADS CONDEMNED

A deputation from the Foxton Amateur Cycling Club, consisting of Messrs 11. Hutchins, G. F. Smith, •(. Madden and P. Little, waited upon the Borough Council last night in reference to forming a cycling track on Easton Park.

The deputation was introduced by Cr. Parkin. Mr. H. Hutchins asked that the Club be allowed the use of Easton Park for the holding of cycling sports. The local club was the youngest in the Manawatu with the largest membership. The club was handicapped for the want of a track and the races were held in the borough streets, which was a menace to the public safety. The old track on Victoria Park was not now available and the club was anxious to construct a track on Easton Park. If this were done the club would erect lights on the park for night meetings, similar to those held at Levin. The track would not interfere with the area for football, cricket or hockey. If the track was constructed other conveniences would follow, such as a grandstand and the pai'k would become a good asset to the town. The deputation were not asking for financial assistance but if permission was granted the club would immediately put down a track. Later on the corners would have to be banked but this would not interfere with the holding of other sports. Mr. Smith endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker and said the club was out to foster healthy recreation for the youth of the town. If a track were not provided the club would become defunct.

The Mayor said the Council appreciated the club’s effort and suggested that plans and specifications of the work required be submitted to the Council.

Tn reply to Cr. Woods, Mr. Hutchins said the hack gate leading from Johnston Street should be done away with and the park should not he used as a right-of-way. A hard track was formed across the field which was a danger to sport. The cycling track would he four laps to the mile.

The Mayor recommended that the club be allowed to put down a grass track in the meantime'and that road racing should be abandoned.

On the motion of Crs. Walker and McMurray it was agreed that permission be granted the Cycling Club to hold their sports, in Easton Park temporarily pending receipt of plans and specifications of the proposed track. That the Johnston Street gate to the park be kept locked. That the club be requested to discontinue practicing on the public streets.

Cr. Parkin voted against locking tin* gate from Johnston Street.