GIFT TO BOROUGH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 14

GIFT TO BOROUGH

TAKAPUNA KACECOUKSE TRANSFER OF DOCUMENTS GATHERING AT DEVONPORT Tho deed of gift and other documents vesting tho Takapuna Jockey Club's racecourse property in tho Dovonport Borough Council were officially lianded over by the president, Mr. E. W. Alison, at a special gathering in tho council chambers last night. Tho property, "which in future will be known as Alison Park, was accepte 011 behalf of the council by tho deputyMayor, Mr. E. Aldridge, who presided in tho absenco of the Mayor, Mr. H. F. W. Meikle. Eulogistic reference to the work of Mr. Alison for tho club and to his long activity in local and national affairs was mado by many speakers during the evening. It was stated that tho club had been formed in 1881 and that Mr. Alison had been chairman of tho committee for over 55 years and president continuously for over 32 years. Passing of Club "Wo are all privileged to witness tho signature to another page of Devonport's history," said Mr. Aldridge. The racecourse would be a very valuable addition to the very fine collection of parks and reserves already possessed by the borough. "I may bo pardoned if I confess to a feeling of regret in tho passing of an institution which meant .so much to mo and which was so largely supported and so highly appreciated by tho racing public," said 'Mr. Alison. "Tho meetings of tho club were undoubtedly tho most popular holiday outings in the Auckland Province." After reviewing early incidents in the club's history Mr. Alison strongly criticised the action of the New Zealand Racing Conference in 1934 in refusing to guarantee the club a racing permit notwithstanding any improvements to tho course that might bo made. When it was subsequently decided to disband,' members of the club unanimously agreed that the property and assets should be handed to the people of Devonport. He greatly appreciated tho council's action in naming the property after himself. Recreational Use Desired Although it was the wish of members of tho club that the property be kept for recreational purposes, the gift was unconditional, he said. In addition, tho club was handing over cash and other assets valued at between £7OO and £BOO.

Extracts from tho minutes of the early committee meetings of the club were read by the secretary, Mr. It. A. Spinley. He said that the club had spent a total of £58,642 on the racecourse property, depreciation written off amounted to £'38,942, and the capital value of the property to-day was £19,700. Among other speakers who expressed appreciation of the club's gift were Mr. P. W. Schramm, M.P. for Auckland East, Mr. A. E. Glover, and Mr. Gainor Jackson, president of the Waitemata Golf Club, which has had tho use of tho racecourse property for 35 years