THE BEST COURSE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18162, 9 August 1933, Page 5

THE BEST COURSE

(To tho Editor of the Herald.) Sir,—lf actual finality lias not -been readied in the matter of determining the future site of racing in Gisborne by the amalgamated clubs, I should much like to re-open the subject. It would seem to me an actual calamity to convert the Park to any other purpose than that for which Nature lias so superlatively endowed it; it is, unquestionably, the premier playground of the district in which the majority of the public find pleasure and recreation. The generally interested public, comprising a numerically large body of enthusiasts, besides those immediately providing the sport, has never been directly consulted, nor has any channel for their expression been provided. Past proceedings have not, therefore l , definitely determined for them the fitter location to be maintained for the future of the sport. It is therefore- suggested that flic whole question he reconsidered witli a view to the fullest representation by all concerned. It is too grave a matter for mere committee determination. It appears that in its decision to race at Makaiaka the interests of those most seriously Concerned have not been fully considered, nor hqve the disadvantages which are calculated to detrimentally affect them in the future if no appeal from the partial judgment be permitted. The Park lends itself admirably to racing occasions, having been richly endowed with all the. advantages Nature can bestow, and a position oir the borough boundary from which all roads radiate to afford ample, easy, cheap and safe transport. In contrast with this there is merely one road to Maknraka. Have the authorities ever seriously eon side.ml the ever present peril to horses and attendants traversing this bituminous surface every morning to and from work through the considerable body of car and truck traffic oii the main highway? That danger is ever present and imminent.

It is well known that the texture arid structure, of the Makanika site are not adapted for essential purposes. The land is well suited,, to and valuable for farming and the fattening of stock, owing to’the very qualities which militate against it as a training track and racing course, the power In hold and conserve moisture, which renders it, wet in winter and hard on the surface in summer, noth on grass track and on plough, while the Park does not so suffer.

To those personally interested in steeplechasing, which sport encourages the breeding of speedy, clever, high-weight-enrrying horses, Afakaraka holds no possibilities and no hope whatever owing to its superficial conformation. In the other ease, all that is necessary to perfection is not worthy of mention here.

The natural advantages of the Park immeasurably surpass those of almost any other course in New Zealand, both in the height of summer and in the depths of winter. The sole, object in socking publicity, by your permission, is to place the problem before the public for an expression of opinion. That opinion has never been expressly given. When it is expressed we shall be committed to it as final, and co-operate cheerfully in the expression of it, bowing to the decision of the majority without. acrimony or demur. Meanwhile the efforts of Mr. Coleman, so characteristic of his nersistency in public welfare, are highly commendable. lam sure his desire is to serve the majority. —Yours, etc.,

D. M. ROSS