MOSGIEL PARK

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 20

MOSGIEL PARK

The handing over of the piece of land formerly utilised by the Taieri Amateur Turf Club as a racecourse to the people of Mosgiel as a park, on which has been erected a band pavilion, took place on Saturday in the presence of a large gathering of people. The old committee of the club some time ago decided to use the 1 money in hand when the club closed down in purchasing land in Mosgiel to present to the residents. The handing over of the property was accompanied by no small amount of ceremony. The Mayor (Mr Quelch) and the Mayor-elect (Mr Wm. Allan), together with the retiring and new councillors, were present; also the chairman of the Taieri County Council (Cr W. H. L. Christie) and Mr R. Green (president) and the committee of the old Turf Club. The Mosgiel Brass Band and Taieri Pipe Band provided music. Mr Green said that they had met to hand over the property as a park and a pleasure meeting place. The old club was amongst the earliest to be found in the dominion. It was about 50 years ago that the first race meeting was held. Having explained how the club ceased to exist, he said that the park as it stood was the foundation of a pleasure resort within the town, and it rested with the residents to make it so. The funds at the club's disposal were not sufficient to provide for the planting of trees and the erection of seats, but publicspirited citizens could fill this want. Ho regretted the ceremony also carried with it the end of the old club. Members had had many happy reminiscences. The original members had all passed and gone, but practically all the last committee were in the park that day. Mr Green then handed over the deeds to the Mayor, and hoped before long the land would be "a thing of beauty and a joy for ever."—(Applause.) Mr Quelch returned thanks on behalf of the citizens of Mosgiel. The Mayor-elect (Mr. W. Allan) endorsed Mr Quelch's remarks, and said that the new council would, as far as was possible, maintain and improve. the park and make it worthy, of the club and of the town.

In the evening a social hour was spent in the Druids' Hall by the members of the Borough Council, the committee of the Turf Club, and a few friends. Mr A. F. Quelch presided, and a number of appropriate toasts were honoured, "" songs being contributed by several gentlemen.