PROPOSED SPORTS CENTRE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 14045, 27 April 1946, Page 2

PROPOSED SPORTS CENTRE

CHAMBER DISCUSSES

SCHEME

Mayor's Explanation Of

Project

Undertaking Supported In Principle

"I don't think there is any doubt in the minds of the chamber and the people that there is a need," declared the Mayor ,(Mr L. It. Wilkinson) at the monthly meeting of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce on Monday evening when discussing the proposed sports centre. "The only difference of opinion may be where it should be," added the Mayor. "With the idea of concentrating various sports together I don't think anything could be more suitable."

A plan of the proposed layout was shown and the Mayor discussed the proposal, stating that the whole layout was intended to cater for all classes of sports. "I think we have a scheme worthy of the town. Personally, through my own experience of 23 years' residence in Tauranga, it leads me to believe that the proposal is not too ambitious. We have got to cater for a growing town," continued the Mayor. The idea was to acquire some private properties and close the avenue affected. In all it would mean an- area of about 24 acres. He did believe, taking everything into consideration such as the location of the schools and the trend of the population southwards, that one could not get anything more suitable. The Mayor said that if the council went to the ratepayers —that was the better way—then they would be given a chance of saying whether or not they approved of the propsoal. He did not think the council would try and do the scheme all at once. It could be done progressively. One Major Defect

The speaker felt that there was one major defect, it being his opinion that there should be some hall or community centre in the area. He felt that this should be incorporated, there being ample room for buildings. It was felt that the proposal could be made one Of the most progressive schemes in New Zealand, that was, for the size of the town.

Replying to a question, Mr Wilkinson said that as far as he knew (he council haxl no intention of charging rentals. He was not in favour of charging sporting bodies rentals. Mr Wilkinson felt that maintenance could be a charge on the whole town, stating that he thought the borough was wealthy and rich enough to :;tand that, considering the pleasure it would give to the whole community. That was a question the council would have to go into. "I daresay by the time the'scheme is finished the cost will be something like £"100,000," added the Mayor. It was the scheme the council had adopted'and it was going on with it when the, opportunity permitted. He thought the council would welcome any criticism, adding that it was only trying to keep pace with the progress of the town. Mention of the debt owed to Mr R. 11. r. Ronayne, district engineer of the Public Works Department, Mr C. .W. Boak, engineer ot the Tauranga Borough Council and Mr C. 11. U. Porter, an architect, for drawing up the scheme, was made. It was stated that it was the council's idea, but these men drew up the plans. The Hon. W. E. Barnard thought that every member cf the chamber would be gratified to learn of the development and progressive policy for greater Tauranga. He did not think anyone would cavil at what was being done. They were obliged to the Mayor for attending and opening up the subject and the speaker thought the Mayor and councillors were to be congratulated on their efforts. .

The Proposed JLoan

The Mayor said that he thought loan moneys for the scheme would not amount to mere than £50,000. The people would probably be asked to vote for a loan of £50.000. If the outlay were spread over five or six years, then the council might meet the position out of revenue, but, at the same time, he favoured going to people if only to give them a chance of having a say about the proposal. Mr Wilkinson stated that he was sure the way that Tauranga was developing now, he was afraid that they were not moving fast enough.

The president of the chamber (Mr F. N. Christian) after thanking the Mayor for presenting the proposal so clearly, mentioned that the scheme seemed to be ambitious but not too ambitious: for the town. He thought the chamber should approve the- scheme in principle. Mr E. S. Hylton: If you are moving that as a motion I will be happy to second it.

Continuing, Mr Hylton said it would place Tauranga more on the map. It was the finest plan he had ever seen anywhere in New Zealand and it was very well conceived.

The moticn thanking the Mayor for attending, and approving the scheme in principle, was carried. The Mayor returned thanks, stating that he found the remarks very encouraging.