TEMUKA CYCLE TRACK MAY BE REMOVED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22203, 21 February 1942, Page 3

TEMUKA CYCLE TRACK MAY BE REMOVED

Usefulness Outgrown Sports Bodies To Be Consulted Laid down more than 40 years ago, the cycle-track surrounding the sports ground in the Temuka Domain has been unused for the last five or six years and has gradually been falling into a bad state of repair. Huge cracks cover its surface and for the last few years it has taken a considerable portion of the jtime of one man, employed by the Domain Board, in removing the weeds which find congenial soil in the numerous gaps in the bitumen. At a meeting of the Domain Board this week, the visiting committee, comprising Messrs J. M. A. Ritchie and P. H. Lynch, recommended that the suri face be removed and inquiries be made from the foreman if the bitumen could be utilised. The chairman (Mr W. H. McMillan) said that he was not in favour of interfering in the matter. The sports bodies of the town, particularly the Caledonian Society, had been instrumental in having the track laid down in the first place and had contributed largely towards its upkeep. He would prefer a conference with the sports bodies before anything was done. Mr J. Gourley said that he was in favour of the board not interfering in the meantime. It was moved by Mr W. L. Harrison and seconded by Mr F. J. Chapman that the matter be left In abeyance for the time being. Mr Ritchie reported that the curator (Mr A. C. Watson) had obtained an assortment of shrubs from Messrs Duncan and Davies, New Plymouth, in exchange for maple seed. He suggested that a frame be built to support the branches of the weeping maple on the lawn opposite the entrance to the croquet and tennis courts and that a seat be placed around its trunk. Tire tree, said Mr Ritchie, was a magnificent specimen of its kind. Tire wooden frame would protect and enhance the beauty of the tree and the seat could be used on the warm summer evenings. A recommendation that the curator be allowed to procure 200 feet of timber to repair old seats in the park and build new ones was approved. Tire repainting of the signboards was referred to the visiting committee. It was decided to incorporate a memorial plaque to the late Mr John Bambridge in the kerbing of the baths in recognition of his work in adding to the amenities of the children's playground. A legacy of £5O was left by Mr Bambridge for furnishing the playground in the Domain.