SPORTS CENTRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26556, 3 September 1947, Page 4

SPORTS CENTRE

PROVISION IN DUNEDIN COMBINED BODIES’ MOVE USE OF CENTENNIAL FUNDS A unanimous decision to approach the Otago Centennial Association asking whether some provision could be made for the establishment, out of moneys collected for centennial purposes, of a sports centre was reached by a representative meeting of combined sports bodies last night. The meeting was called by tne Otago CricKei Association, and the president, Mr J. A. Robson, occupied lire chair. The chairman explained tnai tne Cricket Association had suggested that an approach should be made to the Centennial Association with a view to interesting it in a proposal to allocate some of tne money collected for centennial purposes towards the establishment of a sports centre. Mr Robson added that tne Cricket Association realised that it was a little late in the field, but it believed such an object was worthy of support. Mr W. R. Brinsley said that if provision were made for a sports centre as part of a centennial commemoration, it should consist particularly of a building to accommodate branches of sport which would not require too much space, and so avoid making the project too costly. While the primary object would be to cater for the younger generation, it might be desirable to have facilities for such pastimes as bowls which would ensure greater support for the proposal. “As the approach to the committee is rather a belated one and decisions have been made as to the disposal of the centennial funds,” Mr Brinsley added. “ it would appear that our proposal should be of reasonably moderate cost which could be expanded as funds permit.” Problem of Site Mr W. S. Armitage said that one of the original proposals which had been considered by the Centennial Association was the provision of a sports centre on the Caledonian Ground, but this scheme had been withdrawn. The problem was to find a site which would give facilities for a number of sports At present it appeared as if all the money that would be available for centennial purposes had been allocated, and if the Centennial Association were to be asked to add another £50,000 or £60,000 to its appeal it would be asking a great deal of the city. A suggestion was put forward by Mr W. A. Hadlee that if land on the reclaimed area on the foreshore, were available the Centennial Association might consider obtaining the two acres required to establish a sports centre. “I'feel we are. rather late in the field,” said Mr C. Hill, “ as a proposal for a sports centre as a centennial memorial was put forward and rejected, the Centennial Association deciding that the Museum proposal was the most desirable.” Mr Hill added, however, that the suggestion made by Mr Hadlee was an admirable one. The most urgent need of sporting people in Dunedin was the provision of adequate swimming facilities. Mr Hill said that the Otago Football Association, which he represented, would be behind any concrete, proposal to secure a site that would, not interfere with the activities of any other sports bodies in Dunedin. Scheme Supported Mr F. L. Scrivener (Otago Lawn Tennis Association) said that the association supported the sports centre proposal on general principles, and Mr H. G. Munro (Otago Rugby Football Union) said that the main point in any approach to the subject was the site which could be made available for such a scheme. The Anderson’s Bay inlet was a possibility. He supported the proposal that the'Centennial Association should be approached regarding the requirements of sporting interests. Mr Armitage moved that the Centennial Association should be asked to receive a delegation consisting of Messrs W. R. Brinsley, W. A. Hadlee, E. C. Isaacs, and Mrs C. E. Quaid to discuss the possibility of incorporating in the general appeal provision for the nucleus of a fund to obtain a site for a sports centre, with a suggestion that any future subscribers to the centennial funds should be given the option of nominating that the money should be allocated for the sports centre, and a further proposal that any surplus money, when the activities of the association were wound up, should be applied to the sports centre scheme. Mr E. Hayes seconded the motion, which was carried.