WORK AT THE PARK

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1935, Page 7

WORK AT THE PARK

SPORTSGROUND PREPARED.

READY FOR FOOTBALL SEASON.

Work in connection with Pukekura 'Park and Brooklands was reviewed last night at the monthly meeting of the park committee. There were present Messrs. F. Amoore (chairman), E. R. C. Gilmour, H. Dempsey, F. S. Vamham, E. Jackson, N. Johnson, W. F. Short, C. E. Bellringer and P. E. Stainton (secretary). The main roadway from the sportsground leading towards the band rotunda and the back drive to the tea kiosk had been grubbed, re-formed, graded and metalled, reported the superintendent, Mr. T. Horton. This was essential on account of the scouring after recent heavy rains. The road to tlje racecourse had also been reformed and metalled after removal of the surface roots and regrading where necessary. The area at Brooklands planted with trees last year was now being overhauled. jjFern, gorse, blackberry and heavy grass growth were being mown and burned, and the ground round the trees cleaned preparatory to digging during the winter. t '

The recent heavy rains not only brought much silt into the upper reaches of the lake, but also badly scoured the main drive at Brooklands. This was in a bad condition and should have a little metal from the gaol pit put on it to patch it. On the sportsground, in spite of the exceptional rainfall, the Athletic Association and the primary schools, also the cricketers, were able to hold all their competitions without any serious damage to the grounds. All drains carried the surplus water away very efficiently. Cricket was now over for the season, and all bare patches in the grass had been resown and the growth was well up. The ground was in excellent condition for the football season. The work on improvement of the western terraces was in progress, and it was hoped to complete it about Easter.

“In conjunction with Mr. Johnson, of the sports committee,” stated the report,, "we made an inspection of the grounds,* and more especially of the pavilion. It is, in our opinion, imperative that the place should have a thorough internal overhaul, and that a separate room should be provided for the tools and equipment of the groundsman. If this can be done at once it will considerably improve conditions for all who use the building, and for the groundsman.” The question of the pavilion was held over until next meeting. The estimate of the expenditure for the year was discussed.