RUGBY PARK

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1934, Page 2

RUGBY PARK

MANY IMPROVEMENTS MADE. The West Coast Rugby Union has not been an idle body during the summer months, for several of its members and supporters have rarely missed being off the Union’s area at Rugby Park, on any Saturday since the close of last season. Many are the improvements that have been made to the eight acres that comprise the Union’s property, and the appointments thereon. In the two seasons since football was played there, the grounds have been transformed from bare playing fields, to something more in keeping with the progress that the game has made, and more fitting to carry the name, Rugby Park. A programme of work was laid down immediately at the close of last season, and this has been carried out in its entirety. It has required much time, and considerable work, but today those who have given their leisure hours to assist in beautifying, levelling, draining, and improving the grounds in other directions,_ such as the painting of the buildings, and seats, which latter have also been added to, have reason to be satisfied with the progress and the result of their labours. The first work tackled was the sinking of a 37ft. shaft between the two playing fields, and then two drains with dimensions of 4ft. by 6ft. by 4ft. from the top of No. 2 ground were put in to drain into the main shaft. There are now three sump drains on the No. 2 ground, connected with the shaft. This, it is expected, should assure splendid drainage for the playing Held during the season of football, cl' No. 1 Ground is now in excellent order It has been top-dressed, but before this work was commenced, Rugby supporters went thoroughly over the entire area to break up and flatten even the smallest clot of soil, so that a smooth surface be provided. On the east side of No. 1 Ground a levelling process has been carried out, and the public will appreciate the improvement over what had previously been an uneven standing surface. At the northern end of the grounds, behind the goal posts the gravelled portion has been partioned off by a wooden border from the playing -field, and ashes have been thickly placed down. These continue to form a slightly elevated surface, which will enable spectators from that point to secure an uninterrupted view of the play. An additional advantage is that the ashes will provide reasonably dry area during afternoons when weather conditions are not favourable. A native shrubbery has been commenced along the left of the northern section, which has been given over to this, as it is too small an area to be used to advantage for .sport of any kind. Quick-growing hedges have been planted along the western fences, and their greenery adds to the general improvements. The entrance to the Park has received particular attention. The hedge planted some 18 months ago is coming away well, while on the opposite side, a well kept lawn has been placed down, bordered by flowers. The entrance has been painted, the fence being dark green, and ticket boxes grey, while in noticeable position above the boxes, a large sign has been erected, carrying the words. “Rugby Park.” The seating accommodation has been increased, and all the removable seats have been painted. The painting of the two stands will be completed before the commencement of the new season. The West Coast Rugby Union can now claim to have by far the largest seating accommodation of any sporting body, outside racing, on the West Coast. The buildings on the grounds have been painted cream, with the roof green, giving them a much-improved appearance. It is intended that an early start be made with the competition matches in the approaching season. The annual meeting of the Union will be held on March 27, and it is expected that the season will officially open on Saturday, April 14.