SERVICES’ GREEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26621, 18 November 1947, Page 3

SERVICES’ GREEN

Considerable Interest Shown

Considerable interest was shown at the corner of Itchen and Severn streets yesterday morning, when a bulldozer was engaged in clearing the site of trees. This was the climax of approximately six months’ hard work by an active executive of returned servicemen of both the great wars whose aim it is to provide a bowling green where the men of the services may spend their leisure hours. “ This is a great finale to my term as Mayor,” Mr Kirkness said. “ The members have honoured me by making me the club's first president, “ and there is no other occasion which I would rather have chosen for my final appearance as Mayor than the turning of the first sod of the green.” Finance would be required, Mr Kirkness said, but he felt sure that this would be forthcoming. The site was the best that could be made available, and he did not think it coUid be bettered. The returned men had fought to give New * Zealand freedom, and they deserved the best site that could be given them. He expressed thanks .to the Oamaru Borough Council, which had made the site availably, to Mr A. H. Nordmeyer and to the borough engineei, Mr I< Ballinger, for their consideration at all times. 1-Ie also expressed .thanks to Messrs W. J. Taylor, , Lindsay Taylor and Ivan Taylor for their generous action in making the bulldozer available for the work. Mr Kirkness also paid a tribute to the secretary. He then turned the first sod and when this was done, a bag, con-, tairling numerous and copper coins from an unknown person was found. Tins annnvmous donation amounted to £lO. Mr" Nordmeyer said thanks had to be extended to the Borough Council for making the area available. The site was in one of the best settings in Oamaru, if not in New Zealand, and credit must be given to the one who selected It. The members of the Returned Services Association were wise in forming a bowling club, and he congratulated those who were responsible for organising the scheme. He expressed the hope tint ♦hp necessarv finances would be forthcoming, and that the scheme would soon be free of debt. . Mr ,T Rodman, chairman of the Wai'aki County Council, and a vice-pres'-clent of the club, said he would do all in his power to assist the club. Mr A Bremner, a membei of the executive or the Returned Services Association. wished the club every success in its venture, 'and his remarks wei. supported by Messrs N. H . Colt|U.i°un ißowling Centre!. T Crisp (Pl.cemxl. J. Harris (Meadowbank), and G. R. Simkin (Awamoa). Subsequently the secretary of the club received a message of apolog foV absence from Mr I T. . Catto president of the R.S.A.). with all good v.shts for the success of the club. „