Proposal For Olympic Pool At Hornby

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31726, 9 July 1968, Page 14

Proposal For Olympic Pool At Hornby

A report from the County Engineer (Mr A. Dyhrberg) on the provision of an Olympicstandard swimming pool at Hornby was called for by the Paparua County Council last evening.

Commenting'on the Smarts pit area, the assistant engineer (Mr T. W. Lucas) said that the land, a former shingle pit and rubbish dump, was of such a shape as to make it awkward to establish football fields. He said it would not be advisable at this stage to plan for any development that would not fit in with the whole 26 acres, of which nine acres was still owned by Smart and Son, but zoned recreational.

The possibility of a road between Waterloo Road near Hei Hei Road and the commercial block south of the railway had also been considered, but it would be a major job, costing perhaps $55,000 to take the road under the railway.

The reserves committee reported that the use of the land for an Olympic swimming pool had been considered, though there would be problems in getting good foundations on the refuse fill. The council was told that staff discussions had been held with the City Council and the Waimairi County Council on their recreation reserve proposals so as to help Paparua in its planning. The council decided to defer consideration of the Smart’s pit proposals for six months.

Library.—The Hornby Residents’ Association wrote drawing the council’s attention to the lack of a library at Hornby, and the council decided to reply saying that it had plans to provide these facilities.

Improvements. Improvements to cost about $7700, including extensions to the dressing sheds and a new shop and store, were approved for the Sockburn Park swimming pool. Irrigation.—Spray irrigation systems, estimated to cost $l5OO for Wycola Park and $7OO for Branston Park, were authorised. No Increase.—A request from the Pan Pacific Arts Festival Committee for an extra $6O was refused. Repairs.—lt was decided to repair Ryans Bridge over the Halswell River at Tai Tapu to make it usable as a stock route, and to consider replacement at an estimated cost of $lO,OOO with next year's estimates. Pollution.—The Halswell water supply had been polluted in the recent heavy rains, reported the health inspector (Mr G. W. L. Fairhall). The most likely entry point was at Wattling’s reservoir at the top of Kennedy’s Bush Road. The reservoir would be emptied, repaired and chlorinated. Bank Charges.—The new ■ bank charges meant that the council would pay about $340 more a year, said the County Clerk (Mr A. Kelly). Development—A sub-com-mittee was set up to plan for cultural and recreational developments. The chairman (Mr D. H. Warren) said that the council had shown considerable interest in building a central community centre and library.