NEW MOTOR CAMP.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17972, 18 March 1930, Page 9

NEW MOTOR CAMP.

HAMILTON EAST SITE

APPROVAL EXPRESSED. COUNCIL TO BE APPROACHED. 'There is every possibility that the new motor camp will be situated on portion of Hayes’ Paddock, Hamilton East. Last evening a deputation representing t.he Hamilton East Citizens’ Association waited oil the executive of the local agency of the Auckland Automobile Association and pressed t.he claims of this area, which . they considered would be ideal for the purpose. After the deputation had left the scheme was approved and arrangements were made to have the matter brought before the Borough Council at its meeting to-morrow nigh t. Mr W. A. Curteis, president of the 'Hamilton East Citizens’ Association, strongly recommended that the motor camp be placed on part of Hayes’ Paddock. He emphasised that this area was within easy access of the •main road and near the centre of the town. There was at present a road giving access which could be improved at little expense. The site was on the banks of the river near a beach and a favourite bathing place. Camp cooking and sanitary -conveniences, such as gas, water and electricity could be easily connected with the town supplies. Another advantage was that the land was high and dry and sheltered from the prevailing winds by the high land on the other side of the river. There was ample room for improvements and expansion in the direction of laying down tennis and croquet lawns, etc. Describing the locality, Mr .T. II.• Boyd, secretary of the Hamilton East Association, said it was opposite the “Island” and not the part wanted by tiie Rugby Union.

Appreciation of Offer. ; Replying, Dr. A. G. "Waddell, who presided, said the Hamilton East, Asi soc-iation should be thanked for their enterprise in coming forward and urging a site. They were the first body which had done so. The Automobile Association had been “harried and bullied” over the'matter, bnt. was anxious to' do the best possible, not only for the motorists, but for the town as a whole. The chief objection to the scheme advanced-by the Hamilton East Association appeared to be lack of shelter. However, the motorists were in the hands of the Borough Council, who had the final say in the matter. The automobile executive ■could visit, the site and make a thorough inspection 'with a view to giving it. all the consideration possible. He thanked the Citizens’ Association for the offer which was greatly appreciated. Mr Gurteis pointed out that no site could he obtained “ready made.” He doubted if there was another area in Hamilton with more protection from prevailing winds and mentioned that tree planting had been found nccessarv at most motor camps in the North Island- The fact that the camp was just off a main highway was one which should not be ignored. Hamilton had been singularly fortunate in having its former -camp so near to the town. He thanked the executive for receiving the deputation and assured the meeting of the Citizens’ Association’s hearty support in the event of the Hamilton East site being adopted. An assurance that a good deal of shelter was available at the Hamilton East site was given by Mr J. Gilbert. He expressed the view that the former site had been too -close to the heart of the -town and one a little further out was desirable. Commenting on the activities of a committee which had explored the possibilities of a new motor camp at the Lake Reserve, Mr IT. Toombs said in his opinion a camp there would i mar the beauty and recreation facili- | ties of the park, while the cost would j amount to about £SOO. • j Supporting the proposal that Hayes , Paddock should he -chosen as a camp j site, Mr F. 11. Clapham said every- i thing was in favour of it and more trees could easily be planted lo increase the shelter.

Popularity of Camping.

Motor camping, pointed out Mr S. Wilson, was becoming increasingly popular and hundreds of motorists could be expected to patronise the local site in the future. He strongly urged the appointment of a permanent caretaker at the camp. The value of the accessibility ancl expanse of the Hamilton East land could not be gainsaid, lie added. Mr E Thomas said he had been taken with the Lake site but was now in favour of the Hamilton East oneThe closing of the old motor camp had. 'perhaps, been a blessing in dis gU When the chairman called for any arguments against the site there were no dissentients. , . , , Mr Gilbert intimated that he had gained the impression from the Mayor that the Borough Council would be favourably inclined towards the proIt was decided, on the motion of Mr E. N. Valintine, that a special committee be appointed to inspect the Hamilton East site and, if approving of it to approach the Borough Council immediately for permission to esti)> lish a camp there. In connection with an of an other site at River Road, it- was decided to thank Mr W. Goodfellow for his offer but to decline on financial grounds.