A BANKED TRACK

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4064, 24 June 1938, Page 5

A BANKED TRACK

ATHLETIC CLUB’S PLAN FOR ALBERT PARK. DEPUTATION TO DOMAIN BOARD. A deputation, Messrs W. G. Adams (president) A. B. Allen (secretary), W. F. Woodward, F. Parsons and C. Blomfield, representing the Te Awamutu Athletic and Cycling Club, waited on the Domain Board on Monday evening asking for the Board’s support in providing a banked track at Albert Park. Mr A. B. Allen said that the scheme provided for banking both ends of the track, leaving the sides level. This wou'd not interfere with the football grounds. The Athletic Club had been at considerable expense, even to mowing the track. He regretted that the Board had not prevented the A. and P. Association from destroying the cycle track on Show Day. The Athletic Club was fulfilling a useful mission. and its funds had been distributed in the town and district by way cf prize money. The Club wanted to continute its activities. Mr W. F. Woodward, supporting, said that continued success depended on having a banked track, and if the Board would not co-operate in that direction the Club would have to go elsewhere—a move that would not be in the interests of the town, where business people had been very good supporters of the Club. Mr Allen said the last meeting was the largest amateur meeting held in any part of the Dominion outside the cities. To questions, Mr Adams said the desire was for a 21ft track, banked 6ft high at both ends. Mr Allen said the C ub was prepared to raise funds and work to provide the banked track if the Board would give its approval. Furthermore, if the Board would go ahead and purchase equipment for keeping- the park in order, the Club would give an annual donation as large as any other sporting club using it. The Athletic Club had started a little over a year ago with a debit balance, and now had a sn’endid credit in cash and equipment. To a question, Mr Allen said positively there would be no interference with the football grounds. Mr Adams said the straight would be practically 100 yards. It had been suggested that a survey be made. Cr Spiers said that a 100 yd straight would interfere with No. 1 football ground. The straight must be at cast 110yds long. He then traversed the deliberations cf the sports bodies before the grandstand- was erected. However, he was prepared to support the Athletic Club if it could be shown that the desired track would not interfere with the Rugby ground. A survey might be illuminating. Mr Adams mentioned Morrinsville where a cycle track surrounds a football ground. He could not- agree that 25yd dead-bail areas were necessary. Morrinsville sports track is three laps to the mile. Cr Maxwell thought the Board was sympathetic, but suggested a survey so that interference with the football ground would be avoided. Mr Allen asked for an assurance that they could carry on with the plans for a banked track provided there was no interference with the footba 1 ! ground. To a question, Mr Allen thought the Club would get a surveyor’s plan for perusal by the Board. The Mayor said it was desirable to agree on a definite plan before raising funds. He believed Board members were sympathetic. Cr Andrew agreed, but suggested that all users of the Park should be consulted. Mr Adams said the Club wanted to know whether the Board would approve its proposals. It was useless engaging a surveyor if the Board could not be convinced. The Mayor said he could not think of any objection, but would like to see a plan before committing himself or the Board. Cr Spiers suggested that the Club should peg out the area, and discuss the scheme with Board members on the ground. This course was decided upon, and the deputation thanked the Board and withdrew.