SPORTS AND PASTIMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18020, 20 February 1922, Page 10

SPORTS AND PASTIMES.

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.

The town is well catered for in the way of sports and pastimes, and provision is made for practically every class of sport. In the beautiful Victoria Park, some seven

acres in extent, and surrounded by glorious trees, bowlers, and tennis and croquet players can indulge in their favourite sport on excellent greens, courts and lawns, which are surrounded by a first-class running track. Tho park has substantial sport buildings, and a band j rotunda, and in fine weather is tho rendezvous of many lovers of sport.

Albert Park, also in the centro of the town, comprises 20 acres and is the home of the Waipa Cricket Association, which has seven clubs affiliated to it, and the Waipa Rugby Union, which has 11 teams under its control. As showing the fondness of residents for sport Albert Park was levelled and unproved as a result of a queen carnival when approximately £2000 was raised. Hockey also has many devotees. A little way out of the town is the Waipa Racing Club's course, which in the opinion of many competent judges is one of the prettiest country courses in New Zealand. It has good buildings and a hill behind the stand provides.an*excellent view of the entire course. The annual fixturo is always well patronised, visitors coming from far and near. The course is also the home of the present holders of the Waikato Challenge Polo Cup, the club having some of tho best, riders in New Zealand.

Shooting may be had in the district, and there is good trout fishing in the streams a little way out of the town. A number of enthusiastic horticulturists recently formed a horticultural and industrial sooicty. and its show last year surprised and delighted a Government agricultural officer who acted as judge. The soil is a strong crown loam, and roots especially thrive, while roses bloom luxuriantly. The membership last year was 50. The seventh annual show was to be held in March. Mr, J. A. Young, M.P., is patron, and the president is Mr. T. Davis. The hon. secretary is Mr. W. H. Williams.