TEMUKA MOTOR CAMP

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23113, 30 January 1945, Page 3

TEMUKA MOTOR CAMP

Suggestions By A

Visitor

Committee To Investigate

A number of improvements to the motor camp at the Temuka Domain were suggested in a letter received at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Domain Board from Mr M. L. J. Moore, of Linwood, Christchurch. "The existing facilities at the camp were considerably overtaxed this Christmas,” wrote Mr Moore. “I would suggest the addition of a bath with hot and cold water laid on for the benefit of elderly women who cannot make use of the swiming baths, and also a sho'ver for the exclusive use of women. The conveniences could be made more private. It is ridiculous to expect all the parties occupying the hostel to exist normally on two gas rings, and I consider more gas points, electrical appliances and, if possible, a gas range should be added. More water taps are needed in the east corner of the camp and the south corner of the hostel. The coal range is a poor cooker and needs renovating. Several campers vacated the camp much earlier than they anticipated because of flooding of the grounds at Christmas during the very heavy ram, and the grounds should be levelled to avoid any pools of water forming. With these improvements, I am sure you will be able to cope with even the postwar popularity of camping. “I am an old member of the Automobile Association,” concluded Mr Moore, “and I think non-members should be placed on a different footing financially, as in other camps.” “We have to remember that when people go camping they do not expect every home comfort,” said the Mayor (Mr G. A. Harris). "Campers are ready to put up with some inconvenience.” Matter of Finance Mr D. C. Clark said that it was a matter of finance. The motor camp had to pay for Itself, and it was impossible to do everything in the first year the Domain Board had taken over. They had to draw the line somewhere. Mr J. Gourley said that some of the suggestions in Mr Moore’s letter were good. This year had been exceptionally wet, which accounted for pools of water forming on the grounds. With the camp gaining in popularity, they would have to cater for greater numbers. He Suggested that members of the Motor Camp Committee should visit the camp and consider the suggestions put forward. Mr L. F. N. Ward suggested the addition of some form of large kitchen with drying racks and stoves for cooking during wet weather. He asked if

the Motor Camp Committee had done anything in the way of making improvements this year or drawn up plans for next season. The Mayor said that they had been handicapped by the change of mayor, and there had been no meeting of the committee since he had taken office. He would see to it that the committee held an early meeting to consider the letter.

An offer of a low pressure range with water boiler attached, made by Mr R. L. Stokes, was accepted with thanks and arrangements were made to have it installed at the camp.

Visitors’ Report The chairman of the Domain Visiting Committee (Mr F. J. Chapman) reported that the lawns and gardens were in exceptionally good order for this time of the year. The visiting committee was in agreement with the curator (Mr A. Watson) that the copper-house adjacent to the grandstand was too small. By enlarging it, a servery or counter could be fitted up to dispense boiling water when the new waterheater was installed. It was recommended that a lifebelt be purchased for the baths and a cyclestand erected there. A certain amount of larrikinism had been taking place at the baths. The report was adopted and, on the motion of Mr R. L. Stokes, it was agreed to forward a letter of thanks to the Temuka Pipe Band for entertaining campers on New Year’s Eve. Tennis In the Temuka Town and Country A Grade tennis competition, Geraldine Flat, Geraldine and Orari are even with three wins each in the North End section. Both Geraldine Flat and Orari have still two games to play, and Geraldine has still to play Rangitata. In the South End section Clandeboye leads with six competition points, and has still to play St. Peter’s and St. Joseph’s. Bowling The Fletcher Shield for club pairs was won by Mesdames R. Thistleton and W. Frisby (s), who will represent the club in the match at Timaru for Mrs E. Scales’ trophy. In the A grade Singles, Mrs G. I. Marshall beat Miss H. Thomson. Personal Mr and Mrs F. H. McKeown have taken up residence in the town. Mr McKeown, who was stationmaster at Springfield and is now retired, was stationmaster at Temuka 12 years ago.