CROQUET DEMANDS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 5

CROQUET DEMANDS

GREEN WANTED AT NEWTOWN A CLUB IN DIFFICULTIES Representing the Newtown Croquet Club, Mesdames Robins and Booth and Miss Paterson .waited on the Reserves Committee of the City Council yesterday afternoon to prefer a request for a new green. Councillor R. McKeon, who introduced the deputation, said that there had been an agitation, in Newtown for some time past to secure adequate croquet greens for that district. There was nt present a green near the top of Constable Street, but that club had more than sufficient members. The ladies present were members of the Newtown Croquet Club, who hitherto had played on a half-sized croquet lawn near the Newtown Bowling Club. With Mr. J. G. MacKenzie (Director of Reserves) they had visited various parts of the Town Belt and reserves, and bad come to the conclusion that the most suitable spot for a green was an area of land opposite the Zoo gates. What the deputation wished to know was how soon it would be possible for the committee to undertake the formation of the green, as they wished to be assured of play next scaspn. The lease of the present green was expiring, and if the club could not get a new one its members would have no place to play nt all. The want at Newtown had existed for six years, and it was time that, the council awakened to its responsibilities. . Mrs. Robins /aid that a large number.of ladies were unable to play croquet in Newtown owing to lack of accommodation. They had decided that , the site in Manchester Street would suit admirably for a green. Ij answer to questions. Mrs. Robins saiu that the bowlers had secured the lease of the ground that , croquet players were using at present. It was leased from Mrs. Sloan for £2O a year. The ladies paid that, and also £lO for the greenkeeper. It was only a half-size green. They were prepared to pay £lOO towards the formation of a green, and also to contribute to the cost of a pavilion. Miss Peterson said they could not get propej' play on a half-size green, and they could not ask other clubs to play with them.

Councillor B. G. 11. Burn (chairman of the committee) said that the deputation had come to the committee in a bad year, as at present it had no money to spare for any new work. However, if they helped all they could, something might be done for them next year. Councillor McKeon said that if it were made a relief work, there would be a Government subsidy of another £lOO. making £2OO in all. but members of. the committee were disinclined to believe that such* a work could be made one for the relief of unemployment.