RIVER BOARD AND SPORT.

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 11, 6 March 1946, Page 5

RIVER BOARD AND SPORT.

(To tlie Editor) Sir, —We are wondering what the outlook of the Hutt River Board is to sport generally. Some time ago we made application to the Lower Hutt City Council for a permit to construct a speedway in a paddock at Taita, for which we could obtain a lease for the purpose of motor cycle and car racing, with a view to later erecting a sports stadium to cater for all classes of sport. The members of the City Council were very interested in the project and suggested that a piece of land owned v by the River Board would be ideal, as under the town planning scheme the area suggested had been set aside for recreational purposes, and suggested that we make application to rent or lease the paddock mentioned. Upon making application to the Board the project was turned down on the ground that the land in question would soon be taken over by the Housing Department. After making further enquiries we find that the Housing Department will not be taking over the land in question. We feel that the attitude taken by the Hutt River Board is to the detriment of the city as we consider that Lower Hutt City is fast becoming a main centre in New Zealand, and a sports arena would be tbgreat asset to the city and have (every possibility o£ becoming the Jbhiflil'pionship centre of New Zealaud fpr all classes of sport. 1 Possibly the Board., members dislike motor cycles/ ajnd that is the reason for the Refusal. We might point out that upwards of 17,000 v people weekly attend the Western Springs meetings at Auckland, and are supported by the Auckland City Council and local M.P., proving the outstanding support given to this type of sport by the general public. I am etc., > JU PRATT, President Hutt Motor Cycle Club. Lower Hutt, 28/2/46.