BASIN OR TIP?

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 110, 5 November 1935, Page 11

BASIN OR TIP?

DISPOSAL OF SPOIL

CRICKET IMPROVEMENT PLAN

There will be much spoil to be disposed of from drainage work to be carried out at the Basin Reserve, and the intention apparently is that the spoil shall be carted away out to the tip on the Karori side of the Northland tunnel. The cricket authorities in Wellington can see a much more convenient means of disposal, one that will not only save expense but will also assist towards making a good re-venue-producing city reserve even more popular. The cricket people's idea is that the spoil should be used on the spot to build up the eastern embankment as an area to accommodate spectators in much the same way as "The Hill" serves that purpose at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The possibilities of the Basin Reserve improvement scheme have been investigated by the city engineer's department, city councillors, and cricket and amateur athletic officials. But, though the banking of the eastern side of the Reserve makes a very strong appeal with cricket officials in their appreciation of the value of a grassed slope in meeting the demand for improved accommodation, there is opposition to the soheme. Mr. P. JB. Broad, chairman of the Wellington Cricket Association, gave an indication to that effect in reporting to the association's management committee upon the further investigations which had been made. An objection to one plan for the higher banking was the allowance for a dip behind the ban-k, it being suggested that this would become a refuse area. That, however, could be eliminated by the erection of a retaining wall. "I must confess that I felt distinctly discouraged by the reception the proposal received from city councillors," said Mr. Broad in referring to a recent conference at the ground. "And the City Engineer's department is against the proposal because it wants the spoil for the Chaytor Street tip. It does seem absurd, on the face of it, to cart the spoil from the Basin Reserve away out to Chaytor Street to put on top of the rats." There would be enough spoil, he added, to effect the proposed improvement 'at the Reserve, and the cost of disposing of-it in that manner would, he understood, be negligible.