POLO

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2315, 25 March 1930, Page 5

POLO

CENTRAL TOURNAMENT GROUND CAMBRIDGE RACECOURSE CHOSEN. TROTTING CLUB GRANTS LEASE. As a sporting centre Cambridge is very likely to advance another step forward in popularity in the near future with the provision of a permanent central polo ground for the annual Auckland Provincial tournaments; and as tlie venue for the Dominion Savile Cup tourney, eveiy three years. The Cambridge racecourse area has been selected as the site for the permanent playing field, subject to the confirmation of the Auckland Polo Association and the New Zealand Association.

The question of securing a permanent central ground has been under consideration by the Provincial Association for some considerable time, and now definite action has been taken. The proposal was advanced during the t course of the Provincial tourney held recently at Te Aroha, when Mr White, brother of Captain White, president of the Waimai Club, stated that if a suitable ground was laid down by the Provincial Association he would be prepared to donate £IOO towards the cost. Such a generous offer was received with great appreciation, and in consequence a committee was formed of representatives of all the affiliated clubs. Inspection of Likely Areas. On Wednesday the committee inspected 18 acres of ground in the centre of the Trotting Club's course, and on Thursday, likely grounds were inspected at Hamilton, including the Claudelands showgrounds, an area at the back of the Tc Rapa racecourse; also another area of land, at the Bryant aerodrome site, near the Hamilton golf links. After consideration, the Claudelands and Cambridge areas were selected as the most suitable, with preference for Claudelands, on account of railway facilities. Subsequently the committee approached the W.aikato A. and P. Association, but negotiations were not successful.

Following the conference with the Waikato A. and P. Association, Messrs Wynn Brown, E. I>. Fisher and R. G. Blcnnerhassett were appointed to wait upon the Cambridge Trotting Club, the lessees of the racecourse. An important meeting was held last night to endeavour to arrange a suitable tenure of the Cambridge ground. Mr Brown explained the position of the Polo Association and- its desire to secure a permanent central tournament ground. The speaker emphasised the value to Cambridge of having the tournament ground in the district. He remarked that it would be a great thing for polo and for uhe town and district generally to have the annual Provincial tournament played at Cambridge, while they would also have the Dominion Savile Cup tourney player here every three years. The Trotting Club executive mot the polo representativs in a very sympathetic spirit, immediately realising the benefits to Cambridge. A Lease ©ranted.

'After discussion it was unanimously decided to grant a lease of the 18 acres for a number of years at a reasonable rental, with a right of renewal for a term of 21 years ,subject to re-valua-tion.

The offer was accepted by the committee, and it will now be placed before the Provincial Association and the New Zealand Association for confirmation. Improvements to Ground. Subject to confirmation being received, and there is every prospect of the terms being approved, the question of improvements to the playing area will immediately be considered. It is anticipated that the cost of improvements will be round about £350, and already this sum is in sight. This is very gratifying to the Provincial Association, and is a tribute to the generosity of certain enthusiasts and the enthusiasm of the committee. "With the lease confirmed a start will be made with the improvements immediately after the Trotting Club's annual meeting in May. The ground will require ploughing, levelling and grading. The ground will be ploughed this winter and sown with suitable grasses at the right time later. The Provincial Association have been assured that the Dominion Savile Cup tourney will be played at Cambridge in 1932, subject to the ground being ready.