SPORTS FACILITIES

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 93, 22 April 1925, Page 7

SPORTS FACILITIES

COMBINED BODIES URGE IMPROVEMENT

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

THE EVANS BAY RECLAMATION,

! A meeting of representatives from all interested sports bodies was held on Thursday last. Those present were able to express their views on the present position of recreation grounds, and with respect to the development of city reserves. A committee was set up to present the views of the meeting to candidates, and to submit to them a series of questions. ' All delegates stated that there were not sufficient grounds to meet present requirements. They expressed the view that the configuration of the city and its rapid expansion made this question one that was ever present, and the. work ot making sufficient playing grounds must be continuous. In addition to the proposed grounds at Western Park, Izard Park, and Onslow, delegates strongly urged that the Lyall Bay Reserve should be developed and a ground provided at Kaiwarra. Provision for dressing sheds had not kept pace with the formation of grounds. The conditions at Wakefield Park and at Kelburn were described as indecent. A centrally-situated golf house was a necessity, and would prove a profitable addition to the municipal course, which was already more than paying its way. BATHS. At the last election all candidates supported the erection of salt-water tepid baths, and the site of the Electric Powerhouse in Harris and Mercer streets was approved as the most suitable. Delegates urged that the work of'erection should commence as soon as the site is available. The game of basket-ball had increased wonderfully in popularity, and it was expected that there would be almost 1000 players connected wi'th_ the Wellington Association this season. The meeting considered that grounds should be provided, and that as soon as practicable hard courts should be put down on some of the reserves. CHARGES FOR USE OF RESERVES, i It is not desirable that the funds lof those organisations which promoted national games for the public good, without profit, should be unduly taxed by excessive city charges. The committee was strongly of opinion that the charges were at the maximum, ana should in no circumstances be increased. In view of the fact that the tramways benefited largely by the attraction of the reserves, matches promoted by sports bodies, and the transport of competitors, it appeared to be reasonable that the tramway revenue should Do asked to contribute towards the upkeep of the reserves. FOUR QUESTIONS. Following are the questions to be placed before each candidate for. the City Council :— Will you promote arid support-the work of forming and the acquisition of additional recreation grounds, and the equipment of those already formed with suitable dressing accommodation ? Will you oppose any increase in the charges for the use of city reserves by sports bodies? Will you promote and support the erection of tepid salt water swimming baths on the council's property in Harris and Mercer streets immediately the site is available? Will you support a proposal to the effect that tramway revenue should ; contribute towards the upkeep of reserves? THE HARBOUR BOARD CANDIDATES. The following letter and questions are also being placed before candidates for the Harbour Board:— "The question of the proposed reclamation at Evans Bay was considered at a meeting of the representatives of sports', bodies held on Thursday last. The delegates were strongly of opinion that in any scheme which the Harbour Board might undertake that the present bathing facilities should not be unnecessarily interfered with.' | "The meeting also considered that a portion of the area proposed to be reclaimed should in conjunction with the City Council be reserved for recreation grounds " Will you oppose any scheme for the reclamation of the foreshore at Evans Bay which will materially interfere with the bathing facilities enjcyed at present by the ceople? Do you approve of the proposal to reserve a portion of the area to be reclaimed "for recreation grounds? The committee asks that replies should be made before 27th April.