RUGBY DIFFICULTY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22447, 30 September 1947, Page 2

RUGBY DIFFICULTY

OVAL RETURFING GRANDSTAND GROUND REPLACEMENT PROBLEM The possibilities of securing a suitable ground for major fixtures in the event of the grandstand ground of the Gisborne Oval being closed for returfing treatment were explored by the management committee of the P.B. Rugby Union last evening and Mr K. F. Jones, of the grounds sub-committee, was appointed to pursue further Inquiries with a view to reporting to a subsequent meeting

Reporting last'evening concerning the inspection made recently by Mr, E. A. Madden, of the Grasslands Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr. Jones said that Mr. Madden had urged the necessity for early treatment .of the area embracing the Oval grandstand ground. He had indicated that unless correct cultivation and treatment were undertaken the exhausted soil would be unable to support a suitable growth and it could be expected that the area would be completely bare of turf within a few seasons Temporary Closure The treatment recommended by Mr. Madden would entail closing the area for up to three seasons. The autumn would be the suitable time for commencing the work. Mr. Madden would be prepared to provide a detailed report and also to supervise the work if it were undertaken.

Mr. Jones, together with the representative of the P.B. Cricket Association, Mr. J. A. Crawford-Smith, accompanied Mr. Madden during the inspection of the grounds. Whilst it dealt particularly with the grandstand ground, the report made last evening by Mr. Jones covered broadly the same lines as that made by Mr. CrawfordSmith to the cricket association last week.

Appreciation of the service offered by Mr. Madden was expressed during the discussion last evening and on the motion of the chairman, Mr. M. H. Beuth, Mr. Jones was appointed as indicated to further investigate the problem of making provision for major fixtures in the event of the grandstand ground being closed for treatment.