FOOTBALL GYMNASIUM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 139, 14 May 1936, Page 4

FOOTBALL GYMNASIUM.

OFFICIALLY - OPENED. A SPACIOUS BUILDING. Last evening the Feilding football gymnasium at Johnston Park was officially opened, but owing to wet weather the attendance was not good. Four members of the Manawntu Rugby Union were present —Messrs L. J. Plank, H. Bowler, E. Low, and E. Clevely. Mr T. Collins (Mayor of Feilding) outlined the manner in which the building had come into existence. Some nine years ago a committee had been formed for the express purpose of going into ways and means of raising funds for the establishment of facilities for the convenience of Rugby players in the Feilding district. During those years the organisation had struggled to get together sufficient money to realise their ambition and that evening, said the speaker, the gymnasium was an accomplished fact. “Those who have visited the building have expressed surprise at its size and, although the. appointments have not been completed jet, it will not be long before the gymnasium is complete in every detail,” continued Mr Collins. “It is hoped that parallel bars, rings, and other gymnasium equipment will he installed in the near future, hut these things cost moncy ancl before they can he secured the cost will have to bo found.” In regard to lining the building, Mr Collins hoped that the Manawatu Rugby Union would assist and he extended the four representatives of the parents body a hearty welcome. Mr Plank apologised for the absence of the president (Mr A. M. Ongley) and Messrs K. AV. Eglintou and J. A. Coiquhoun. Ho congratulated the Redding Football Executive on their fine gymnasium which, he said, was the best lie had seen outside of tlio four main cities. To him the building appeared to be substantially built and serviceable for at least 60 years. Footballers, he considered, should he proud of their gymnasium, and it was unfortunate that players did not realise the value of gymnasium work, because

there was no finer way by which to become fit. In addition the gymnasium was useful for practice in scrum and hack work. They could practise in all weathers and that was an importantpoint. lie hoped the players would make full use of the building this season and for many to come. In conclusion, Air Plank wished the executive and players every success. “FOR BETTER TRAINING.” Air J. Penney then officially opened the building. He stated that he too was pleased to welcome the visitors and proceeded to explain the meaning of the term, Feilding Football Executive. The executive, he said, consisted of three representatives from each club, and at present Mr Collins was chairman and Mr A. R. Aliers secretary. ITo provide the building the executive had had to find £6BO, and the raising of that sum had tak<*u many years. However, the residents of Feilding had given them their support and the executive was grateful to them. To all, and especially the young players, he expressed a hope that the gymnasium would he looked after. The executive was handing it over to them and it was their duty to see that the responsibility vested in them was not abused. He agreed with Air Plank 'that a gymnasium was a necessity. Air Penney then declared the building officially open for “the better training of players.” The building was one of tho largest in Feilding. Air D. Whisker took the opportunity to publicly thank Air Collins lor tho keen interest he had taken in the matter. He had devoted much of his time as a member of the executive and congratulations were due to him. Air Collins explained to those present that tho footballers would only require the building for four to fivb months of the year, and he thought that the young athletic club could probablj- use it when it was not required by the Rugby players. He was sure that if the Athletic Club approached the executive they would ho granted permission to do so. The speaker pointed out that the building was private propertj' and that rules and regulations governing it would be drawn up. Referring to Air Plank’s remarks, All- Collins assured everyone that the building would certainly last 60 years, and he further stated that when appointments were completed there would he few larger or better equipped gymnasiums in New Zealand. THE BUILDING. The over-all measurements of the gymasnium are 108 ft x ollt. There aretwo dressing rooms which each measure 24ft x 221 t. These are close boarded to a height of 7ft, and are equipped with dounle showers, and five naming down benches. The main entrance am* dressing room boors are of concrete. The main building is strengthened by a number of g-nicli steel tension rods and the principal timbers are heart l’iniu. There are four skylights in the gymnasium proper, while for night use it is equipped with three 200 candle power electric lights. In the dressing rooms there are two 50 candle power globes. The dressing rooms can be securely locked and visiting players will appreciate the facilities provided. ROOT. CROP COMPETITION. GOOD ENTRIES AT APITL Under the auspices of tho Apiti branch of the Farmers’ Union a root crop competition was conducted j'ostel'day, the judging being undertaken by Air O. Galpm, field instructor of the Department of Agriculture, Palmerston North. The entries numbered more than thirty and the secretary of the Farmers’ Union (Apiti branch) stated that lie considered the results to ho particularly good. The judging will be continued on Thursday and the decisions will not be available for several days. Crops of swedes entered were of excellent quality as well as the other roots, such as mangels, carrots, etc. FEILDING HOCKEY. Fixtures for Saturday are:—Colyton v. Hinekoa, at Colyton; Kauwhata v. Carnarvon A, at Kauwhata; Carnarvon 13 a bj*e.