STADIUM ERECTED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 142, 18 May 1932, Page 6

STADIUM ERECTED.

SEATING FOR 2000.

SHOWGROUNDS FACILITIES,

The sports stadium being erected in the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association’s permanent buildings at the Palmerston North Showgrounds is practically complete, and it is anticipated that the work will be finished by the middle of next week. It has seating accommodation for 2000 persons and should be an immense improvement to the Showgrounds facilities'. The construction of the stadium is directly due to the enterprise shown by the Citizens’ Show Committee in arranging for all the labour free of cost, only the expense of timber and materials being met by the association which, for a comparatively small outlay, has now secured a valuable asset.

The work has been proceeding under the personal supervision of Messrs H. E. Townsend and A. Hopwood, and shows just how much can be achieved by properly organised voluntary effort. The stadium is exceptionally well equipped, the central feature being a very large platform 50 feet by 24 feet and elevated 3ft 6in from the ground. There is an extension provided for tug-of-war contests, giving a length over all of 57ft 6in. The seating accommodation is arranged on all four sides of the platform, and is designed in such a manner as to give all patrons an uninterrupted view of the stage. Furthermore, it is arranged so that the feet of spectators sitting behind others will be well out of the way, and will not trespass upon the seats in front. There is a complete wall round the stadium, with an access gallery along the back of one side to the poultry hall. It is intended to asphalt those parts of the floor left as clear space. Two ticket offices are being provided in order that officials can cope with rush periods. The dressing rooms are large, and are equipped with seating and rubbing-down benches. There is a doctor’s room, and showers, wash basins and conveniences are adjacent. The seating for the spectators looks down upon the ring in the centre of the platform, which will be illuminated by four high-powered floodlights. 'The lighting installations have been made free of charge by Mr J. Hillas. There will be a largo red, white and blue canopy over the ring, and it has been designed by Mr D. H. Cook, of the C. M. Ross Co., Ltd., whose staff are carrying out decorative work voluntarily in other halls. Labour for the plumbing work has been provided entirely free by Messrs Ramsay and Campbell.