WHITHER THE SPOIL?

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20731, 15 February 1939, Page 6

WHITHER THE SPOIL?

GARDEN PLACE SCHEME SPORTSMEN VERY CONCERNED DELAY OVER HINEMOA PARK 8erlou» concern at the continued delay In the finalising of plans for the formation and Improvement of sports areas In Hamilton which would require the use of spoil from Garden Plaoe Hilt, particularly Hinemoa Park, Is being expressed by many sportsmen, who point out that unlaaa some finelity Is reached In the near future there Is grave danger of the spoil from the hill ing used elsewhere. The hill la' rapidly being demolished, and as yat there have been no Indloatlons when the sports areas In tha town will be provided with spoil te carry out their Improvements. The sports bodies most vltallv concerned are the Waikato and Hamilton Rugby Unions and the Hamilton Amateur Athletic Club, and it is these sportsmen who are concerned about the valuable time being lost In making available spoil for their needs. They point out that the opportunity of obtaining material Is unique and may never come again, and it Is Imperative that steps be taken before most of the spoil is used elsewhere. “ It is obvious that the spoil from the hill should be used to the best advantage," commented Mr A. H. Malcolm, president of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, today. “ I consider that some of It should go to the improvement of sports grounds. As spoil will never again be available in Hamilton it Is obvious that it should be used where spoil is needed in bulk and used on all grounds possible. 14 A certain amount of criticism can be levelled at Mr Swarbrlck’s report on sports grounds which was presented to the Domain Board In that he has avoided the use of spoil from the hill In all but one of his suggested improvements. “ Delay la Disastrous • “ I consider the first urgent case requiring the use of the spoil," added Mr Malcolm, “ to be the erection of a stadium at Hinemoa Park, and secondly the improvement of the present rather poor, grounds at Rugby Park. Hamilton has probably the most poorly-equipped and antiquated spectator accommodation in New Zealand. Garden Place spoil is really 4 a gift from heaven ’ that few seem to wish to accept. A stadium in Hamilton is an absolute necessity under modern conditions. “1 know of no sports body in Hamilton that wants the stadium to be erected at Galloway Park, and as no spoil Is required there the question of urgency In finalising any scheme for that area Is not important. “I consider." concluded Mr Malcolm. "the delay in reaching a decision regarding the dsposn! of spoil almost a major calamity to spoils clubs who depend largely on the public for support. The whole point is urgency; delay is ■ Commentmg upon the position Mr A. J. Denz. a firm supporter of sport in Hamilton over many years, stated that what he was most concerned about was the fact that the opportunity for the youth of the country to indulge in healthy exercises and sport at a moderate cost was seemingly being ignored. At all schools in the Dominion a fair measure of time was taken up in sporting activities, hut as soon as the boys left school many of them were allowed to drift around street corners, smoking cigarettes and lounging in hotel bars. If first-class facilities were available many of these boys would continue their interest in the sports they fancied at school and thu6 help to build an A class nation for New Zealand. Individual Grounds Needed Stating that Galloway Park would no doubt make an excellent stadium, Mr Denz was of the opinion that It was not necessary to go so far away to provide facilities when there was such an ideal site as Hinemoa Park only wilting to be Improved. The proposed Improvements to the Rugby football ground and the Hinemoa Park stadium were tw 7 o entirely different schemes. The Rugby people would not want cricket pitches on their ground and the athletic people would not w*ant their smooth tracks cut up by Rugby in the winter. Separate sports required separate grounds. The outlay to provide a first-class stadium at Hinemoa Park was not particularly great and It could never be done more cheaply than with spoil from Garden Place. This ground could be lit at night and with its accommodation would soon prove a valuable addition to the sporting amenities of the town. It does not take much Imagination, added Mr Denz, to visualise large troops of Y.M.C.A. gymnasts giving displays at night on this ground, while inter-house sports could be built up into a great organisation. Referring to parking, Mr Denz said that if there was a big fixture in the summer, Rugby Park gates need only to be opened for more than sufficient cars to be accommodated, while for a big football match in the winter the cars could be accommodated In Hinemoa Park. Other Opinions \ “When the Domain Board'began Its inquiries regarding sports grounds in Hamilton we were delighted,” said Mr T. A. Ewan, secretary of the Waikato Hockey Association. “We have been alarmed, however, at indications of the scheme not eventuating and at the project developing into a wrangle between the Hamilton Borough Council and the board. As the council’s attitude regarding representation appears fair and equitable it is a pity the two bodies cannot come to terms and ensure the success of tbe scheme.” The attitude of the Waikato Cricket Association w 7 as outlined fly the chairman, Mr C. G. Hunt. Although the association did not require any spoil from Garden Place Hill it expressed the desire to obtain the stone from the wall running along the southern side of the hill. That could be used to provide a barrier on the Hinemoa Street side of Seddon Park and could be erected In such a manner that it would in no way prove unsightly.