BOWLING.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 153, 4 August 1914, Page 10

BOWLING.

PROPOSED LYTTELTON CLUB. As the result of the movement towards forming a bowling club at Lyttelton, a deputation waited on the Borough Council at its fortnightly meeting last evening. The deputation had been appointed at a public meeting held last Tuesday evening. The Rev. A. Mitchell, who acted as chief spokesman, said that whatever differences of opinion they might have, there was one thing in which they were united, that was to advance the interests of the town. Regarding the-site in Oxford Street, they had the support of the council in that two years ago the council carried a resolution to have the buildings removed and the site cleared. In their request they were supported by a large body of citizens, and they purposed asking for a lease of the site in order to lay clown a green. He pointed out they would not inflict any burden on the rafepayers. They were prepared to pay for their sport, and. they would carry out the work themselves. They Had guarantors to finance the undertaking, and in addition to those who had signed the petition, there was a. very large number of iunuential citizens in favour of it. If the scheme was carried, out to consummation it would be a benefit to the town socially, and would also help to localise a healthy sport. The green would popularise the town, and would attract hundreds of visitors, though he said this advisedly. In conclusion he urged the council riot to treat the matter in. any narrow or 'parochial spirit, and that they would grant the club the lease.

Mr E. Henderson emphasised that the ground was at present a disgrace to the. town. The club would be prepared to spend £3OO to £SOO on improvements. The improvements would have to be done in any case. The club was assured as far as finance was concerned. If the council could not do the work at onee the club had gentlemen at their back who would be prepared to finance the work, but they would prefer the council to do it. It had been said that the green should be at Diamond Harbour, but in his opinion it would not be a success there, as the distance from the town was too great. The club asked for a ten years' lease of the Oxford Street site, but they would be prepared to accept a shorter tenure. Everything was in favour of the green being established.

Messrs C. Agar, W, Browne, F. Comer, and G. C. Smith also spoke in favour of the proposed green, the last named predicting that if the green were made on the site asked for the councillors would in the tmd say '' God' bless the bowlers. " He.was sorry that there was not room also for a croquet green for ladies and a tennis court. In answer to Cr Miller Mr Smith said that the club would have a caretaker to look after the green, and be wholly responsible for its upkeep.

The Estates Committee of the council reported having considered the advisability of removing the buildings on the council's land in <3»xford Street and forming the site 'into a recreation ground. The committee had been approached to form 4' bowling green and lease it to a private club, the club to pay rent and interest, and sinking fund on the cost of constructing the green, individual members of the club offering to be personally responsible for the repayments. The committee did not think it would be'- advisable for the council to spend public .money on' grounds for a' priyate ciub, notwithstanding the fact that the repayment of the expenditure was guaranteed; the committee, therefore, recommended that the bowling "club be offered a site with

a frontage of 102 feet on Oxford Street on a ten years' lease at an annual rental of 12/- per foot frontage, exclusive of rates, the club to- carry out all improvements and buildings at its own expense, and to the approval of the council. The adoption of the report was moved by Cr T. F. Walklin, as chairman of the Estates Committer. Cr Foster moved an amendment that the club be offered the rental of the ground at 10/- per foot. \ This was seconded by Cr Miller. A long discussion followed, in which the altercation between two certain councillors grew rather heated at one time, and a brisk passage of arms occurred. Cr Norton censured the council for displaying a lack of business ability in the past. The amendment* was put, and on a division being taken it was found that the council was equally divided, Crs Foster, Miller, Schumacher, Radcliffe, and Norton voting for it, and the Mayor, Crs Collins, Page, Guthrie, Walklin against it. The Mayor gave his casting vote against the amendment. Cr Miller then moved a further amendment that the matter be referred back to the Estates Committee, contending that several points had arisen which tho committee should consider. The amendment was seconded by Cr Norton, but was lost. The motion was then put and carried. "You needn't bother any further about it, your Worship," declared Cr Norton vehemently, in conclusion, "the committee of the club won't entertain the proposal."