THE SHOWGROUNDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1943, Page 2

THE SHOWGROUNDS

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE ASSOCIATION SETS UP COMMITTEE. HUGE SOCIAL HALL ERECTED. A rehabilitation committee to plan now for the future reconstruction of the Solway Showgrounds was set up al last night’s meeting of the Masterton A. and P. Association. The committee will comprise Messrs T. A. Brown, P. F. Fagan, C. C. Ruby, E. Jenkins, R. E. Gordon Lee, F. B. Pickering, W. Kemp, W. G. Laing, P. R. Welch, J. M. James, C. Mabson .(borough engineer), and A. H. Daniell. “It is the most important thing in the history of the association,” said Mr Brown. He added that an orderly plan of reconstruction would be followed. Mr Fagan said the association was faced with a golden opportunity. By planning now, he said, the association would know what to do when the Public Works Department handed over the grounds. A good deal of improvements had been made by roading and in the erection of a magnificent 90 feet by 40 feet building near the secretary’s office. The building was well constructed and had an excellent floor. With a road to it future balls could be held there and the adjoining pavilion could be used as a'supper room. The lining of the rooms under the grandstand with wall boarding was also a great improvement. However, said Mr Fagan, there was also the other side of the picture. The grounds had suffered. The same chance for planning for a new Solway showgrounds may never come again, added Mr Fagan. “It is a wise and far seeing policy,” observed Mr J. M. James. . Reference was made to the valuable assistance given by the Borough Engineer, Mr C. R. Mabson, and Mr Daniell.

The general committee will inspect the showgrounds on Sunday, November 14.