DISCUSSION ON SPORTS GROUND WATERING PROPOSAL

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 191, 23 September 1955, Page 1

DISCUSSION ON SPORTS GROUND WATERING PROPOSAL

As reported in last week's Taupo Times, a deputation representing sports bodies in Taupo met the Borough Council recently and discussed the matter of watering the new Sports Ground. The deputation consisted of Messrs. G. A. Acres, G. W. Foote, F. D. Stretton and N. Hatton. Mr. Acres said that they had not called a meeting of sports bodies, but had had copies of the quotation for alternative irrigation systems received by the Council. His first reaction had been .that it was tremendously expensive. He thought the scheme rather too elaborate and that they would need expert advice on that. He did not think that an expenditure of more than two or three hundred pounds was warranted. He had rung Dr. Annette, of Hamilton, who had been in charge of irrigation at Rukuhia, and who would be coming down in about three weeks and would be able to spare an hour or two and give them some advice. Dr. Annette had strongly recommended other quotes being obtained. Mr. Acres said he felt the scheme was going to grow too much grass too quickly. As far as cricket was concerned they didn't want too much grass. It only needed cutting and they didn't want it too thick. Mr. Foote thought the prices in the quotation from £673 to £818 were high, and then there was the additional cost of getting the water up from the river. Was there an estimate for bringing the water to the ground from the river? The Mayor, Mr. J. E. Story, said piping would cost about 7/6 a foot, and the distance was four or five chains. He thought the present quote covered what they wanted in principle. Mr. Foote said that, speaking as an old Rugby forward, he did not agree with Mr. Acres as to too much grass. The more there was the better, and he did not think they need worry about getting too much. It was an excellent idea to be able - to keep it green. They must try and keep a balance between men's sports and girls. The watering scheme should not be so expensive as to preclude development of basketball, etc. Answering Mr. Stretton, the Mayor said that the credit in the Sports Ground Fund was £3,449. Mr. Stretton said irrigation was very necessary, but he had thought the cost would be about £200. The Mayor mentioned that the present quotation was only a basis for enquiry. Cr. Stanley thought they must be prepared to put in something decent. Irrigation once installed would also supply the rest of the area between the sports ground and the river. Cr. Vedder said he thought they had to get technical advice and adopb the equipment recommended. He was not in favour of spending one or two hundred pounds, as it would need four or five hundred. Cr. Young said they must, have an adequate supply of water. They should get as many quotes as- possible and try and arrive at the best system. As far as Mr. Acres idea of growing too much grass was concerned, he would be glad if it were possible. They must get a good cover of grass so that after a dry spell the grass would come back. The trouble would be to get an adequate cover. Cr. Vedder mentioned that if they lost the grass it would a bigger loss than the cost of the irrigation equipment. Cr. J. E. Barton thought that, Continued on Page 8

DISCUSSION ON SPORTS GROUND WATERING

' r-.ja Continued from Page 1 having decided irrigation was neces-| sary, they must have further quota-J tions and then must go ahead withjg whatever the best advice said was thed best scheme, whatever the cost. Cr. Currie said it was very for-J tunate that money was available, and J did not think that money spent onj watering would jeopardise otherl sports. He thought the watering J scheme would eventually cost from m five to seven hundred pounds, and in | his opinion that would be reasonable. Cr. Young emphasised that in any l scheme ease of operation was vitalS as labour costs were high, for water-J ing could not always be done withM the daily eight hours. Following the discussion, the Mayoip said it would be a good idea to meotl Dr. Annette, as suggested, and sug-J gested that when further quotations! had been secured another similar| meeting should be held.