STADIUM PROPOSAL

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20740, 25 February 1939, Page 6

STADIUM PROPOSAL

DISAPPOINTMENT VOICED ATHLETIC CLUB’S ATTITUDE SPOIL FROM GARDEN PLACE “As the body primarily responelbl»J[ for starting the agitation for a ■port*] stadium for Hamilton, we regret that] the proposal put forward by the Domain Board is <f\e from which we must dissociate ourselves, particularly as the cost, involved would be sufficient to improve all the sports ground* in Hamilton.” ’said Mr A. H. Malcolm, president of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club when interviewed by a Waikato Times representative to-day. “Our scheme aimed at using Garden Place spoil, and that of the Domain Board does not. Plan Copied “Many people well remember that at our own expense we prepared a design for a sports stadium at Hinemoa Park, and we cannot fail to notice that the plan for Galloway Park is an exact copy of the plan we* lodged with the Domain Board and the Borough Council. The dimensions are exactly the same, with one exception—viz., that there is an additional terrao* outside to increase the capacity for spactators.” The speaker pointed out that the club suggested a stadhim to hold 15.000 for Hinemoa Park not because a larger one could not be built, but because It believed that no sport tn Hamilton would require a larger one for some time to come. By moving the position of one tennis court it would be possible to increase the capacity by several thousands. Still further, if the ratepayers* money was to be invested in a stadium it was up to the sports bodies to make it pay. This could not be done if It were placed so far away. Distance from Railway “If distance from the railway t* of no importance, may we suggest that the Winter Show which occupies ground used but once a year, purchase a section as distant aa Galloway Park,” continued Mr Malcolm. “Tlie fact that a very substantial saving <n rent would not induce them to move is ample proof that the crowds which essential to the success of largescale undertakings can only be ob- ; lained by a central location, preferably near a railway. | **ln this connection we are quite ready to admit that Seddon Park would make an even better stadium than our own proposal, and would hold even more than the proposed Galloway Park scheme. The present open nature of the park precludes the Cricket Association or the Association football from any large revenue. Our own particular ground, Hinemoa Park, could be improved at relatively small expense. Cost of Development ‘*We believe that, with Garden Place spoil available, the cost of developing Hinemoa Park and, if necessary, Seddon Park, would be far less than Galloway Park. We would like to point out that the spoil from the hill has to be dumped somewhere, and it will cost no more to dump it at Hinemoa Park than over an unproductive bank in Anglesea Street. The extra cost, then, of forming the stadium would be only the cost of spreading and grassing.** The important point at Issue was whether Garden Place spoil was to be used to improve the sports grounds of Hamilton or not, concluded the speaker. Galloway Park did not need any. and if the sports bodies did not concentrate on the real issue the hill would be gone and the grounds would remain in their unsatisfactory condition.