GIFT OF LAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1938, Page 6

GIFT OF LAND

AREA FOR TENNIS COURTS AT COLLEGE HOSTEL APPRECIATION EXPRESSED A noteworthy addition has been made to the grounds of Wairarapa College by the gift of 2 roods 13.4 perches * from Mrs Walter Nops. The lack of hard-surfaced tennis courts in the vicinity of the hostel had been noted, and when Mrs Nops was approached as to the probable cost of this land, and its purpose explained, she most generously offered it as a gift. The letter conveying this offer was handed to the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr W. R. Nicol, at a social function in the Assembly Hall of the College last night, by Mr A. J. Towns. In doing so, Mr Towns point-’ ed out that the area was sufficient for three full-sized courts. He drew attention to.,the fact that this was part of the original forty acre farm section allotted to Mr A. W. Renall, father of Mrs Nops, and one of the founders of Masterton. Mr Renall was a member ' of the first Trust Lands Trust Board, ■' which was largely responsible for the Trust endowment’s education trend, and he had on more than one occasion been Mayor of Masterton. « Mr,Nicol, chairman of the board, in acknowledging the gift, said that it seemed particularly appropriate that this gift should come from one of the original pioneer families, and paid a tribute to the very great interest taken by both Mr and Mrs Nops in all the work of the College and their pleasure in watching its growth. Mr Nicol stated that arrangements had already been made for the laying down of the tennis courts by the Public Works Department when- other work had been completed. The matter of fencin/j and tree planting would also be shortly undertaken by the board. Mr Nops made a brief acknowledgement, and said that the gift had given special pleasure to Mrs Nops.