Delays In Squash Project Criticised

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30933, 14 December 1965, Page 22

Delays In Squash Project Criticised

I "I will go to Whangarei next week at my own expense to get the plans,” cried Mr A. D. Atkinson at Wilding Park last night just when it seemed that the management committee of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association was becoming bogged down in a mire of procrastination on the subject of providing squash courts at the park.

The meeting had been told that building plans for the courts had been sought from Whangarei, but had not come to hand.

Both Mr Atkinson and Mr J. Anderson charged that the squash courts project was being obstructed “behind the scenes.” Mr Atkinson said there had been virtually no progress for four to five years. Had the courts been erected two years ago the association would be in a commanding position. Even now it was not too late to proceed but the association could not afford to leave the matter for another season.

Mr M. C. Healey said the squash promotion committee had lost enthusiasm because of the disinterest it had encountered in tennis circles. “We are convinced the idea is good; what we want is an enthusiastic committee to do the work and have the support of everyone,” he said. Several members called for a positive move to be made at the meeting but no motion was forthcoming and the chairman (Mr F. H. C. Johnstone) was on the point of ending the discussion. Then the matter flared up again and several terse remarks were made around the table. The secretary (Mr B. W. Crofts) said he had never been associated with such a protracted matter and Mr Atkinson said the money raised should be handed over to the Wilding Club, as the project seemed to be a waste of time. In an effort to resuscitate the discussion, Mr Crofts said the plans should be secured, approved and a price obtained. Mr Anderson: I hope there is no technicalities about doorknobs. Mr E. Biddle: Would that speaker explain his remark. Mr Anderson: We seem to have a lot of technicalities with this project. Mr Johnstone: We are dealing with £20,000, you know.

After a good deal of discussion on relating the building plan to the site plan, members agreed that the secretary should obtain the building plans and have them perused. An emergency meeting of the Wilding Park and management committees will be called to approve the siting.