DOMAIN BOARD

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 84, 20 November 1928, Page 7

DOMAIN BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Domain Board was held last night, when there were present: The Mayor (Mi J. W. McMillan), Crs. H. 0. North, C. Moore, T Lawson, A. Nelson, R. F. HJvrkness, W. H. Kelly, N. B. Eletcher, J. MoKee, S. A. Ward and Messrs P. Thomson and H. C. Johnson. Mr C. It. Finnerty' apologised for absence, CYCLISTS' TRAINING. This secretary of ttie Cycle Club (Mr E. Morton) wrote "aslung permission for the use of Victoria Park by members of the club for training purposes. The Mfayar thought the permission mightj be granted. Cf; Halrkness thought the cycling would cut the ground to pieces as th e grass has not yet"' gat the rooting it should hiive. Or. Ward said the 1 Works Committee! hajd no (objection to (granting permission for a certain period before a race meeting. It was finally decided to refer the matter to the Works Committee, to report on the question of making ai charge for permits and as reminds control of operations by members. THE TENNIS CLUB.

The secretary of jthe Stratford Lawn Tennis Club (Mr H. E. Lawrence) wrote that his olub had been allotted grouhcT for twelve courts. Only nine had been laid off, and the ground for the other three courts was being used as ta, nursery. The club would like to have this grouna for the growing of turf to replace worn and weedy turf on the grass courts. Also, they hoped ultimately to lay courts over the area. Messrs G-aw and Lawrence waited on the Board in connection with the request. t After hearing the deputation the Mayor pointed out that the piece of ground in question na<J' been allowed to get into a very bad state, and the nursery had been established there to improve an unsightly spot. Etfs own opinion wa s that if the ground was given up the Tennis Club should pay the cost of removing the nursery. Cr. Nelson said the ground was full of California thistle, and if turf was taken, off the thistle would be transfierreß Wherever (the turf |was put \jr. Ward thought the chib might be given a piece of ground in the domain in Hanilet Street. The Board finally decided to refuse the request and the matter of arranging for the use of some other part of the domain was referred to the Works Committee.

VOLUNTARY WORK. The secretary of the Strtitford Horticultural Society (Mr H. C. Johnson) wrote a/s follows: The society offers to hold itself responsible for a term oF years to be decided on for the beautifying of that portion of land in Victoria Park on the north wide of the lake extending from the lake edge to the upper path. The idea is to plant the water-front with irises, agapiinthus, arum lilies etc. and the slopes with, ornalmentali shrubs. The society understands all such work must be uriuer the supervision; of your foreman. This would involve a cost of at least £25 for plants to begin with, and the condition my society asks is that the Do-, main Boarcl erct a fence round this portion to protect the plants. If t*ie plan is) 'acceptable To your Rbalrd in the main, I ask that this fence be erected as soon as possible, as it will be necessary to sow at places on the bank's various clumps of quick-grow-ing temporary shelter, if any success with future plants is to be 'awaited. The Mayor said Dr. Doris Gordon and Mr Johnson had seen him on the matter. It was very commendable in the society to make such an offer, and n °t to confine themselves merely to shows. He moved that the offer be accepted and that the society bo thanked. Mr Johnson said the Matter had been fully discussed and much support had been promised If shelter plants were p.-u.ted now, shelter woidd be provided for shrubs winch are to be ;)!an-;e<t in May. The society had an arrangement with the Headmasters of tfie local for children from the schools to do work in keeping plants in order, andi it was hoped thht by permitting the children to do this work the civic spirit would be engendered in "them. When tins piece was finished other pieces of" ground would be taken in hand. The Mayor's motion was carried and the society was given control of the ground for five years. Mr Johnson said the ground would not be handed over till the plants were fully established. GENERAL. Tlie secretary of the Tnranaki Caledonian Sports Association (Mr R. L. Garden, Eltham) wrote that his asso-

ciation had decided to hold $ a sport's Igathering 5)11 Stratford (on January 24th next, to be followed by a oonoert and dance in the Town Hall. He asked if -n eduction in rent could bo granted.—lt Tflis decided thai the , use of the ground be granted free, the Association to see that the ground is left hi good order. The secretary of the Stratford Cri- i cket Club (Mr G. P. Irving) wrote that his club was agreeable to allowing the Celtic Cricket Club to us© its pitch in Victoria Park. If at any time it was desired to revoke the permission the Board would be advised). The secretory of the Stratford branch of the South Taranaki Automobile Association (Mr A. *. Sarr) wrote notifying that his association had decided to advance £25 for the purpose of erecting a cook-house on the camping site. The caretaker 'Mr A. Borne) |re*» orted:—-King Edward Firk etv. trance: The gras s has boon cut, rolled and cleaned "T>- T "e dlrive and iWtyer beds weeded and one bridge repaired. All the blackberry and broom has been cut in the park. Band Room: This portion has been planted' and hoed over-, the berry audi brocm cut. Victoria) Park: The grass on the football and hockey ground has been raked up.