CAMPSITE AT WAINUI

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30338, 14 January 1964, Page 16

CAMPSITE AT WAINUI

Y.M.QA.To Buy Land The site at Wainui which the Young Men’s Christian Association has leased for its boys’ camps for the last 35 years is to be purchased by the association. The area comprises about eight acres. The general secretary of the association (Mr R. J. O’Kane) said yesterday that extensive improvements to the camp were being planned and these would be carried out within the next 10 to 15 years. The improvements would include new ablution facilities, storage and cool stores, and eventually a new recreation hall, he said. The only facilities available for the boys in wet weather at present were the diningroom which had to be cleared of all tables and chairs before it could be used.

The Y.M.CA. first held camps for boys at Kairaki in 1924 but constant flooding there was a problem and the Wainui site was opened in 1929. The camp has been used each year .except during World War n when it was commandeered by the Army, and in 1948 when it was closed because of a poliomyelitis epidemic. The site was leased for £5 a year from Mrs H. F. Noonan from 1929 until 1947 when Mr L L M. Hooker became the new owner. Mr Hooker died about 18 months ago and the association has been negotiating with his niece and her husband for the purchase of the area. Mr O’Kane would not reveal the purchase price, but said both parties had agreed to the terms. The final plans would be ready in about two months, he said.