PROPOSED NEW SHOW GROUND.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 163, 27 June 1911, Page 5

PROPOSED NEW SHOW GROUND.

DISCUSSION AT A. AND F. SOCIETY’S MEETING. REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE. The chairman in speaking of theneed to look ahead for a ground of their own, said the necessity became more apparent every year. The growth of population in Hawke’s Bay and the fact that last year there was an attendance of 16,000, they would have to allow for an attendance of 20,000 in 10 years time. The congested state-of the ground last year proved 1-Mt-more room was needed. The annual show was always looked forward to -as a picnic gathering. If it i 8 proved that the society cannot, find room for its patrons in comfort later on, the position has got to be faced. We want the land decently laid out and planted, etc. The value of land is increasing considerably, and if we waited for ten years the increased cost that would have to be paid would be a loss to the society. Perhaps w& could find ten owners adjoining who would dispose of 5 acres each, but in, say, ten years’ time the price may be prohibitive. It does. not seem too much to ask such a. wealthy society to deal with it now*. He did not anticipate any financial difliculty. He proposed that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to purchase a new showground if able to do so on favourable terms, and are able to make the necessary rangements.

This was seconded by Mr. Coleman, who thought the society should go slow, and that the incoming committee appoint the most practical men to go into the whole business. There was plenty of time, and he did not suppose thechairman and committee wanted them to purchase immediately. If seders ask prohibitive prices, it may prevent the idea being carried out. He was quite sure that in a. few years’ time the present ground will be too valuable to be heldaa a showground or a racecourse. Henoped they would have a suitable ground when required in the future.

Air. G p. Donnelly said he failed to see why the society should purchase another ground. Hastings had no park and no ground for recreative purposes. The Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club and tfie A. and P. Society should put their heads’ together and keep their property for all time. The present grand stand could be put further back, and another section or two could be purchased. If the A. and P bociety had a round further away from the town there would be no ' accommodation. He felt certain if t the Jockey Club and the A. and F. society met together, the difficulty about cramped space could be overcome. He would like to see a committee appointed to waiton the Jockey Club before the question of the purchase of a new ground* was gone into. Mr. *G- Land said the resolution, as framed, gave absolute power for the new committee to purchase a new ground. l . From a business point of view they want a central position, and- they ’ would have to be very careful where they intended to have their new ground. The convenience of the present grounds was apparent to anyone, and that should not be lost sight of. He would like the resolution submitted to a general committee before anything done.

Mr. B. Wellwood said the society must look to the future. He agreed with Mr. Donnelly about Hastings having no park. With regard to Hastings losing its grounds, he hoped by the time the new ground was required the borough would be able to purchase those grounds. He did not think ♦here was any danger of land coming down in value—it would be more likely to go up in price. He would vote in favour o(|the chairman's motion, and hoped it would be carried. B» D. D. McLean considered that the society had an ideal ground. He questioned very much indeed whether they could get a better site titan at present, and suggested that tite committee see if the old ground could be enlarged- to accommodate tite crowds that win be there in future.

Mr. F. W. Williams said the society at present could not do just as they would be able to do if it was their own property. -The Jockey Club was not dependent on the A. and P. Society occupying a part of the ground. He would not advocate going into the question of a new ground hurriedly. One thing the society certainly required better accommodation in some respects regarding stock.

G. P. Donnelly said the society had always found the Jockey Club assisted them in every way. The Chairman said the Jockey Oub had certainly done all they could tojnneet the society, but there were which they could not do for the society un account of wanting their ground for racing purposes. The Chairman said he had drafted the following amended resolution:—“That in view of future developments it be a recommendation that the committee fully consider the question of purchasing a new ground or secondly, such other alternative as would meet future requirements.” He asked Mr. Coleman if he would accept the amended resloution. Mr. Coleman suggested that any recommendation from the commitgee should be referred to a general meeting • Mr. Coleman’s suggested resolution was added to the resolution which was carried.