Public Meeting.

Hastings Standard, Issue 371, 13 July 1897, Page 3

Public Meeting.

- J3A ST IN G S RECRE AT lON GROUND. A public meeting of those interested in the purchase and formation of a recreation ground for Hastings was held last evening iu St Matthew's Hall. There was a fair attendance, and the Mayor (Mr C. A. Fit/Roy), who occupied the chair, stated that for some time past there had been an agitation going 011 hi Hastings for the establisfcpK nt of a public recreation groqnd. A committeee had been appointed at a previous meeting for the purpose of making enquiries as to the most suitable and convenient ground. Mr Stock's ground was suggested as a place that could be utilised, but as he understood that other grounds v.f re to be snggested lie would allow tlie matter to rest with the meeting and invite a discussion as to the most suitable ground. Mr !?ewbigen moved " That an association be formed with a capital of £3OO for the purpose of securing Mr Stock's ground and forming a cycling track in the centre of the course and making other improvements required for a recreation ground." In supporting the motion MrNewbigen was of the opinion that the conditions appended to the lease of Mr Stock's ground were favorable and that the site was suitable and convenient to the town. Mr Maddison seconded the motion. Mr Eraser reported that the subcommittee appointed at last meeting waited on Mr Stook, who was willing to give the useof his course for nothing for six and a-half years ; at the expiration of which term he was to receive 10 per cent of future gate money. This could be abandoned any time they wished, but any improvements would have to be forfeited to the owner of the land. Mr Yickers said he had no definite proposal to bring forward, but there was another ground, viz Queen's Park, that might be considered by the meeting. The Park has an area of over 40 acres, about 20 of which is flat land and the balance is a plantation. A lagoon running through the ground could be beautified with a little expense and drives could be formed round the plantation. He understood that the Park could be purchased for £IOOO on the conditions of \ cash with the balance at o per cent. The ground was 108 chains distant from the centre of the town, while Mr Stock's ground was 26 chains less. Mr Fraser said he would join hand and glove with the formation of a recreation ground if he could see where the money was to be raised to carry on the necessary work. The objection raised against Mr Stock's ground was its distance from the town ; now they had a proposal for a place considerably more remote. He thought it indiscreet for a young body to launch into a big scheme with a possibility of failure. He preferred Mr Stock's proposals as the capital required would not be great. The Mayor agreed with j fße previous speaker in the matter of launching out on a small scale, and although Mr Stock's offer was a very liberal one hethought that considerable difficulty would be experienced in inducing to invest in leasehold property. With 'regard to the Queen's Park the area there would be greater than would be required at present. He however had every hope that in the near future Hastings would require a park of large dimensions : the lagoon could be cleaned and the banks planted with ornamental trees and would altogether make a charming recreaticn ground. __At present it was a matter of expediency as to the way they went about the matter of a recreation ground. Mr Greene thought that the distance of the Park from the town would be more convenient for the bulk of the population than Stortford Lodge. If the Park was decided upon the inhabitants of Havelock and Pukuhau would not have to journey such a distance iu order to attend sports. *Mr Holroyd said that it would be a matter for* regret if the inhabitants of Hastings allowed this opportunity to pass wit hout securing a public park or recreation ground. He suggested that the Council take over Queen's Park if they could see their way clear. Mr Yickers moved as an amendment " That a company be formed for the purpose of taking over the Queen's Park with a nominal capital of £2,000 in 2,000 shares of £1 each, 2s Gd to be paid 011 application, 2s 6d on allotment and 2s (kl in two months. The balance, if necessary, to be called as required." Seconded by Mr A. I>. Greene and carried. A provisional committee consisting of the Mayor, Messrs Ebbett, Garnett, Maddison, A. L. D. Fraser, Beilby, Greene, H. Symonds, and Yickers were appointed to promote the company. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business.