SITE FOR STADIUM

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20739, 24 February 1939, Page 6

SITE FOR STADIUM

ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTED ADVANTAGES OF SEDDON PARK AMPLE SPACE AVAILABLE “In the long discussion over alternative sites for the proposed stadium at Hamilton, it has surprised me that the most suitable site has been overlooked entirely," said a man who is keenly interested in sports activities in the district to a Waikato Times reporter to-day. “I refer to Seddon Park, which has all the advantages of ample area, central position and natural conformation, with an adequate parking area in the adjacent Boyes Park.”

He strongly preferred even Hinemoa Park to Galloway Park, he said. It was large enough to provide accommodation for at least 15,000 —an attendance that would more than satisfy most sports bodies at Hamilton for many years to come. However, there was apparently a demand for a more commodious stadium and to obtain that it was not necessary to go so far away from the centre of the population as Galloway Park. The Seddon Park site offered all the advantages of Galloway Park and many others as well. It was true that Seddon Park was at present the home of cricket, and it might be considered that the construction of a stadium there would react to the disadvantage of that popular summer pame, hut actually there would be no difficulty in providing cricket with greatly improved facilities in the stadium and on the adjoining grounds. Cricket crowds could be provided with seating accommodation which they lacked at present. Need For Immediate Action While emphasising the need for a stadium in Hamilton as a headquarters for numerous sports and outdoor activities generally, he expressed grave doubts whether the Galloway Park site would meet the public need. It was too far away from the largest centre of population. Frankton people, for instance, would not be pleased with the prospect of travelling to Galloway Park to attend their favoured sports fixtures. A motor-car was not owned by everybody. There was need for immediate action if advantage was to be taken of the spoil from Garden Place Hill. Cartage to Seddon Park would be short and comparatively inexpensive, and banking could be constructed there to accommodate a very large crowd of people. A stadium there would Tie within easy walking distance of a large section of the town, and in addition would be near the railway. There would be no difficulty in providing all the parking space necessary. Another point emphasised was the need for an adequate system of floodlighting and seating in the stadium. Sports by electric light were destined t.o become very popular with the progress of the physical fitness campaign, and the stadium would be enhanced as a profit-earning concern if it were provided with brilliant lighting and adequate seating - .