Further Development For Kerr’s Reach Planned

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28937, 3 July 1959, Page 13

Further Development For Kerr’s Reach Planned

Plans tor .the development and beautifying ot Kerr's Reach, which will be submitted to the Christchurch City Council, were outlined to the Canterbury Rowing Association last evening by Mr F. R. Cullen, convener of the Kerr's Reach subcommittee

“The first part ot our plan at Kerr's Reach is to have the immediate essentials completed," said Mr Cullen "This work has almost been done, and we are now mainly Concerned With completing the course and developing the facilities. Although the reserve and course have not been developed to date as much as we' would like, the couhcil has been most co-operative " Grading of the river banks was needed, and some progress in this direction had been shown in the last few months “In the final grading, we tonaider that the banks of the reserve should be one foot above mean high tide, and rise evenly back to the tow path. In this way. boats near the bank will not’ be hidden from view." As development progressectajt was hoped to ease the curve of thfe last bend into the finishing straight.

Tree Planting For decoration, suitable trees may he planted outside Avon Park These would give protection from the south-west winds. Trees could be planted on the Locksley avenue aide, but at the Mcßratney’s road bend a clear view from the reserve was suggested The council would be asked if the old piece of river between the footbridge and the cut could be kept deep and clear oi obstruction for the marshalling of boats at regattas.

“Vandalism has already assumed serious proportions for clubs at Kerr's Reach. It aeetns that the area attracts a most undesirable element in the community, and we think suitable lighting around the clubhouses may ease the problem." The floodlighting of the course for evening regattas has been considered, but this could come later providing suitable standards were available. “We don’t want to be too ambitious at this stage." As part of the third stage of de-

velopment he would welcome any suggestion to overcome the problem of drift at the starts in easterly conditions, said Mr Cullen. “We haven’t got the answer to this pro. blem yet, and it is hard to know whether it can be solved by suitable windbreaks on the banks. It has been suggested that the easterly wind follows the course of the river.”

The association adopted Mr Cullen's report. Olympic Games Reporting on the half-yearly conference of the New Zealand Rowing Association in Wellington, the secretary (Mr E. H. McCalman) said the question of rowers participating at the Olympic Gaines at Rome had been discussed.

“The championship winners next season in the singles, pairs, doubles, and fours, if up to standard, will be nominated for the Games,” said Mr McCalman, “and in the case of the eights, the winning province. All the crews selected will be subject to challenges, and this seems a very fair system.” “We must realise Urat there won't be many contestants going to Rome from this country." said Mr McCalinan: “As a result, we may find ourselves represented by only three or four rowers. In the case of the eights, some delegates to the conference believe the money could be better spent inside this country—about £lo.ooo if we decide to send an eieht.”

While there appeared little hope of an eight going to Rome, it should be remembered that for the Empire Games at Perth there was every chance of an eight travelling from New Zealand, said the chairman (Mr W. A. Richards).

“There is certain to be strong agitation for an eight then, and it would do well for young Canterbury rowers to put up a good record in the next two years so that they will have a good chance of representing their country." Mr McCalman reported that Canterbury had applied for the interprovincial eights regatta next seaseon. but applications had also been received from Waihola, Otago, and Wanganui.