GRANDSTAND AT ASHBURTON

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26203, 29 August 1950, Page 4

GRANDSTAND AT ASHBURTON

TENDERS REJECTED Because the very high prices tendered for the rebuilding of the main stand and a new members* and stewards’ stand at the Ashburton racecourse were greatly in excels of the estimate, the committees of the Ashburton Trotting Club and the Ashburton County Racing Club have decided not to accept any of tne tenders. This was reported at the annual meeting of the trotting club yesterday afternoon. Steps will be taken to rebuild the main stand only, in which accommodation for members will be provided as previously. “The whoie matter is having the best consideration by the two committees and we hope to be able to find promptly some rational plan to overcome the existing deadlock,” said Mr H. F. Nicoll, the president.

“it is well known how very anxious your committee has been since 1942 to secure a permit for rebuilding the grandstand. We only obtained it last October and .at once instructed our architect td proceed with plans and specifications, not only for the stand that was destroyed*, but also for a new members’ and stewards' stand that would give greatly increased accommodation both for the general public and for members, with additional conveniences for horsemen. Tenders were called and the clubs were prepared to finance the scheme for a sum of about £50,000, which our architect advised us should be sufficient to cover the tenders for the work, but to our dismay and deep disappointment the lowest tender was £66,798.

“The joint committees met to discuss the position and unanimously decided to reject the tenders, which we were advised were called for at an unfortunate time because of various circumstances affecting the building trade.” Broke

After racing handy to Highland Kilt for more than a mile and a quarter, Sylvette marred her effort when she broke under pressure in the Addington Trotting Stakes at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting at Addington on Saturday. With experience, Sylvette, which Is a daughter of Quite Sure and Princess Marua, should win races for Messrs T. Darragh and E. I. Glrdler. New Brichton Trotting Club

Nominations for all events at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting, to be ’••?ld on September 9, close at 5 p.m. today. —Advt.