Three Suggestions Made To Planning Committee

Northern Advocate, 23 January 1947, Page 4

Three Suggestions Made To Planning Committee

WHANGAREI WAR MEMORIAL

GREATER interest is being shown in the establishment of a war memorial for Whangarei and district. Three suggestions have now been received by the Provisional War Memorial Planning Committee. One proposes a municipal swimming baths; another the development of the Whangarei Borough Council-owned area below Bank Street opposite the Supreme Court site; and the other the development of the Hihiahua Reclamation.

The suggestion for a swimming pool as a war memorial has been made by the Whangarei Amateur Swimming Club.

This proposal had been before the borough council on several previous occasions and the suggestion that an up-to-date swimming pool would be an ideal victory memorial had been contained in a leading article in the I Northern Advocate in May, 1944, stated the secretary (Mr R. Morrison). SUPPORT EXPECTED Since its inception about 20 years ago the club had been responsible for the teaching of many hundreds of children in swimming and life-saving while it had produced competitive swimmers of top class. All tuition had had to be given at the Whangarei Primary School baths where facilities were inadequate to cater for the ever-growing club membership. In 1944 a record active membership cf 350 had been attained, but last year the number had increased to 455. With the increase to be expected of a growing town and an up-to-date pool there was every possibility that club membership would reach four figures. The club believed that the proposal for a swimming bath as a memorial would meet with the whole-hearted support of Whangarei people. Previously the council had intimated its intention of building a pool at some future date, but if the club's plan was officially adopted baths worthy of the town would become a reality. With the Government subsidy and funds raised by public effort the money to be found by' the council would be only a fraction of the total cos c.

, An alternative would be to convert the area into a sports ground with tc-lrraced tanks. fin either case the outskirts and banks could be laid out in lawns, ornamental trees and seats.

None of the proposals advanced included plans and estimates of costs, as suggested by the committee, although this could not be expected of organisations and individuals without means of compiling these requirements. Further proposals are awaited by the planning committeee which has fixed Saturday March 15 as the day for closing of suggestions. UNOFFICIAL PROJECTS Proposals which have not been advanced to the committee but which have been mooted unofficially include swimming baths at Central Park and Onerahi. In support of the Central Park plan, it is contended that use could be made of the waste heat from the gasworks to heat the water in a pool to be erected adjacent to the works. Another unofficial plan envisages the conversion of the existing pool in Central Park into a full-sized concrete pool with diversion to the stream to provide continuous running water and the filling in of the present stream-bed to provide lawns and gardens.

Hamilton had been reported to be building a modern pool as a war memorial. the club stated. PARK AREAS

Such a plan was considered by the borough council some years ago but rejected. Supporters of the scheme consider that a proper pool with flood gates at the lower end would eliminate much of the flooding caused by the banking of water as it sweeps round the terraces.

For the Whangarei A. and P. Society the secretary (Mr C. P. Butler) submitted a proposal that the whole 45 acres of the Hihiahua reclamation should be developed as a community sports and show ground. The society believed that this would be a suitable war memorial and would submit further particulars of the scheme later.

The third suggestion received is from Mrs C. D. Cullen, of Onerahi. She suggests that use could be made of the vacant area lying between . Bank Street, Rathbone Street and Dent Street.

This area, close to the proposed bus terminal, would be laid out in lawns and trees with plenty of seats so that families could rest and the children have a play area while awaiting their buses.

Conveniences, a parcel office and a water supply, including hot water, could be made available and perhaps steps or an elevator to Bank Street be included in the scheme. Restaurants in Whangarei were overcrowded and a handy place where country people could picnic would be a great convenience.

Also suggested unofficially is the provision of swimming pools at both Central Park and Onerahi as a joint war memorial. In support of this suggestion the popularity of sea water baths in Auckland is cited, while it is contended that fresh water baths in the centre of the town would cater for those not wishing to go as far as Onerahi.