SPORTS GROUND PROPOSAL

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 135, 27 August 1954, Page 4

SPORTS GROUND PROPOSAL

THE public meeting convened by the Mayor, and held on Tuesday evening, August 17, as reported elsewhere in this; issue of the "Times," was notable for the general agreement shown on the need for developing the Taupo sports ground as soon as possible, and on the wisdom of undertaking part, at least, of the permanent scheme, rather than doing something of a merely temporary nature.

The meeting's decision that work should be started on the construction of the actual sports oval, an integral part of the final plan, was made after full discussion. The new field will not be available for either football or cricket during the ensuing year, and this fact was duly weighed and appreciated by the meeting. The suggestion put forward by one of the speakers, and accepted by the meeting, that the sports bodies concerned should look out for temporary sports grounds for themselves during the coming year, was a practical one. It was an indication, too, that those concerned in local sport realise that it is up to them to do their part in working for the improved playing conditions that are needed. The need for the provision of such improved conditions is, of course, a matter concerning all citizens of Taupo, not merely the actual players engaged in the various sports.

This being so it is satisfactory to note that the temporary committee set up, which is to organise a later meeting to launch an all-out effort to raise the money required, is a widely representative one. The importance of the fulier committee, which it is hoped will eome out of the forthcoming meeting, being fully representative of all sections of the community, is vital. When the committee launches its appeal for funds, its success will tend to be in proportion to two things, its fully representative nature and the sustained energy put into their work by all concerned in the work of the appeal. As was emphasised by the chair--man - elected to direct the committee, the job of raising the required money will not be unduly difficult provided that all concerned make up their minds to work, and place the job in the forefront of their activities for the period of the campaign. The immediate need is for the largest and most representative attendance possible at the forthcoming meeting. Meantime, the actual raising of money has begun with the donation made by the Taupo Rugby Sub-union, and as was mentioned by the chairman of the committee, at the recent meeting, donations made now will be all to the good. The "Times" has opened a subscription list in this issue.