Removal of speedway shingle questioned

Press, 21 February 1986, Page 5

Removal of speedway shingle questioned

The allegedly unauthorised removal of thousands of dollars worth of shingle from the speedway track at Templeton was discussed by the Paparua County Council’s reserves committee last evening.

The Christchurch Speedway Association, which uses reserve council land, had been excavating the track and allowing the contractor to take the hardfili for payment, the committee heard. The council had approved the excavation but not the removal of. the hardfili which it had intended to be tendered to the public.

The association had said it did not realise it needed council permission to give the shingle tto a private contractor, and said it would dispose of the remaining harqfill by public tender.

Some councillors, however, were unhappy with the association’s response, and thought council staff should have kept a closer watch on the work.

In defence of the staff, the County Engineer, Mr John Annan, said they had sent three letters to the Speedway Association, informing it that it was contravening council decisions.

Whether the council should own Chokebore Lodge or it should be run by a public trust was considered by the committee.

The County Clerk, Mr Brian Mooar, recommended that the historic lodge be managed by a public committee but that the council retain over-all control by requiring the committee to report all matters of finance and policy to the council.

Cr J. S. M. Kyle was concerned that this would mean all upkeep of the. lodge would have to come out of reserve funds rather than the public trust which the council originally voted for in retaining Chokebore Lodge. He also questioned whether the lack of financial enthusiasm shown by the Canterbury Jockey Club entitled it to a place on the proposed management committee. Mr Mooar had suggested the committee be made up of three councillors, a representative of the Historic ' Places Trust, the Jockey Club, and two local service organisations.

It was decided that the County Clerk’s report be referred to the Sockburn District Council to see if it, would assume the ®al responsibility for ehokebore Lodge.