CARLAW PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 43, 20 February 1934, Page 8

CARLAW PARK.

NEW GRANDSTAND. ERECTION FOR NEXT SEASON. SUPPORT OF CLUBS. Another step in the progress of the Rugby League football code ill Auckland is to be taken with the erection of a new grandstand at Carlaw Park before the next winter season. The structure, with concrete foundations and built in wood, w ill cost approximately £3000. Tenders are to bp called and the work is to be started shortly. The Auckland Rugby League Board of Control considered the erection of a new stand last season. Ihe chairman, Ml. U. Grey Campbell, made representations to the other trustee*, Messrs. John Stormont and E. J. Phelan, and arrangements made during the recess have enabled the proposal to bo financed. The architects are Messrs. Piper and Brookcr. The new stand, while embracing the present stand, which will be improved* to harmonise with the main design, will provide seating accommodation for from 2.>00 to 3000 people. It will incorporate the latest facilities for public and players. Teams will take the field from under the central part of the stand. Chairman's Comments. In announcing the decision of the trustees and the Auckland Rugby League to-dav, Mr. G. Grey Campbell said he felt sure the news would meet with approval from patrons and all concerned in the game, and the authorities were glad to be able to start this feature of ground improvement with confidence of increased support. The need for increased accommodation for both the public and players was long overdue. Entrance to the new stand would be gained by a wide path excavated along the back of the new building and down a series of ramps to the interior seats. This system was similar to the majority of stands and stadiums overseas, and ensured easy access and quick exit. The Berlin Sports Forum and stadiums at Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Franklin Field (University of Pennsylvania) were examples of the success of this style.

.Mr. Grey Campbell staged that the various units of the organisation, and particularly the senior clubs, were keenly interested. One club, indeed, had made an offer to assist with the finance, and this had been accepted, not only a* a fine sporting spirit, buf as a tribute to the management. A new grandstand augured well for the new season. "My club will greatly appreciate the use of a new stand," said Mr. E. K. Aisher, secretary of City Rovers Club. "Apart from the fact that supporters of the game generally will be pleased. City Hovers happen to ute the park ae their headquarters." The Ponsonby eeeretary, Mr. C. J. W. Taylor, said he was certain that his club and adherents of the code generally would regard the new grandstand proposal as the finest move in years for the advancement of the code in Auckland. Mr. H. Wood (Xewton Hangers) remarked that the news was the best reward the players could get for greatly improved play last season. Messrs. .J. Kirwan (Marist Old Boys) and'V. Saxon (Devonport United) also expressed pleasure at the prospect.