Sumner Cricket Club Has Pavilion With A History

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29324, 1 October 1960, Page 5

Sumner Cricket Club Has Pavilion With A History

ATTRACTIVELY set on St. Leonards square, and overlooking the park which was once part of the ocean, stands the Sumner Cricket Club’s pavilion. The building, which has recently been roughcast and has had the club’s colours and crest added to it, will make a handsome picture at its opening today; but it is nearly 50 years old. Built in 1912, the pavilion has had an interesting history. It was until recent years the property of the Sumner Life-Saving Club, and was officially opened in 1913. During the Second World War the Army took possession for a short period from 1940 to 1941. In those years the pavilion was in use not only for life-savers, but also as a social centre for younger members. The building used to stand well back from the sea, surrounded by high sandhills on either side, but with the change in currents and the subsequent encroachment of the sea, the pavilion was badly battered by high tides and protective work had to be carried out to prevent serious damage to the foundations.

As the advance of the tidal level became permanent it was obvious that the main section of the beach would no longer be popular for bathing as the sea had washed away the sandhills and the rocks dumped as pro-, tection did little to add to its charm. The Sumner Surf Club then began to make plans to erect a pavilion in the Clifton Bay area which was becoming popular for bathing.

In December, 1957, the pavilion, lonely and derelict, was purchased by the Sumner Cricket Club. The City Council granted a loan in February, 1958, and in May oflthat year the building was moved by a contractor and placed

on the pre-constructed foundations which it rests on today. Although the job of re-siting proved a tricky one, no damage was done.

Since then, the Sumner Cricket Club has given the old pavilion a new lease of life and it has again become a very useful centre for sporting and social activities. Mr T. W. Cook, the club president, has helped greatly in the renovations which have improved the appearance of the building so much, and the club members have aided in the painting, carpentry and other tasks. The pavilion now has two changing rooms and a large general room equipped with afternoon tea facilities downstairs and a large social room with all amenities upstairs.