Memorial Park For Cambridge

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 1261, 12 April 1946, Page 5

Memorial Park For Cambridge

QUEEN CARNIVAL PROPOSED

SPORTS' BODIES TO PARTICIPATE

A decision to hold a huge Queen Carnival in Cambridge for the purpose of establishing a Memorial Park for sporting activities in the district and also to give financial assistance to other sporting bodies, was decided upon at a meeting held in the town hall supper room on Wednesday evening. The main objective will be to enlarge on the Cambridge Rugby SubUnion’s grounds in Taylor Street and to establish there a general sporting area.

Organisations represented at the meeting were the Rugby Union (Mr A. A. N. Moore and T. Reilly), Golf Club (Dr. H. C. Tod), R.S.A. (Mr A. J. Swayne), Fire Brigade (Mr Chris Boyce), Cambridge Bowling Club (Mr W. R. Edwards), Central Bowling Club, Cambridge (Mr W. P. Cummings), Cambridge Basketball Association (Misses M. Mahood and C. Wallis), Leamington Town Board (Mr A. Looker), Boy Scouts (Mr A. Fletcher), United Athletic Club (Messrs F. Solly and A. Cranston), Cambridge Physical Culture Club (Miss L. Easter), United Football Club (Mr N. Rosser); Cambridge Municipal Band (Mr A. Back). “Me may be starting something big to-night,” said Mr A. Moore, in taking over the chair. He intimated that 95 per Cent of the district men who had lost their lives in the war had played Rugby in Cambridge and it was appropriate that the Rugby Union was endeavouring to form a Central Park, which would be Cambridge’s War Memorial. Information Desired. In. the 'discussion which ensued, most of the representatives present stated that they had come along mainly to seek information concerning the project. It was understood from the circular sent out that the various bodies would benefit indiivdually. Mr T. Reilly, who was appointed interim secretary, read an apology from the Cambridge Polo Club, which agreed to give every support to the movement. It was stated that the polo ground on the racecourse had been condemned and no tournaments could be played in Cambridge until further improvements were carried out. Some work was being done on the ground, but was needed and the club was keen to co-operate.

At this stage the various representatives detailed the feelings of their organisation. Dr. H. C. Tod said it seemed the main objective was to establish a Memorial Park, and the Golf Club woud give reasonable support. If the scheme was to raise funds for all sports bodies then the Golf Club was in need of finance for a caretaker’s residence and also for watering the greens in summer. The club would fall in with any arrangements decided upon. Money To Be Shared. Mr Moore explained that the original idea of the scheme was for all interested bodies to get a share of the profits. The money raised would be pooled and shared out afterwards. The Memorial Park was not the only objective. The R.S.A. had in mind increasing the size of its club, said Mr A. J. S'wayne. The cost would be considerable and a portion of the carnival money would be appreciated. The association would be behind any project with all its weight. The Fire Brigade as a whole regarded the scheme sympathetically, said Mr Chris. Boyce, particularly the formation of a memorial park. It was no secret that the Brigade had been trying for a long time to obtain a new station, and any money for amenities would be welcomed. Mr W. R. Edwards said that the Cambridge Bowling Club was not, in need of funds but would be behind any scheme that would provide playing areas for the young people of Cambridge. The Central Bowling Club was in its infancy and needed considerable capital to carry out all of its schemes, said the president, Mr W. P. Cummings. Suggestions had been made to erect an up-to-date pavilion. It was realised that the scheme was good, and his club would be prepared to push it along, stated Mr Cummings. Basketball Grounds. Pleasure at basketball being recognised was expressed* by Miss C. Wallis. The basketball players needed new grounds and would be behind the project with the hope that provision would be made for them. The band had had in mind the holding of a carnival to purchase new instruments, said Mr Back. The matter had been held over during the war, but now the band was prepared to join in a huge carnival, which would bring in a good deal of money. If the band received some proportion, it would feel that it was worth while.

The Leamington Town Board had not met since the letter calling the meeting, said Mr A. Looker, but he was sure members would support any worth-while objective. Mr Fletcher said the main objective of the Scouts was to build a hall of their own. Each year £IOO had been

raised. A small share from the Carnival would be welcome. In the event of the project going ahead for the purpose of a Memorial Park in the true sense, the Athletic Club would give it every support, said Mr F. Solly. It was desired that the ground become a public park and not controlled or owned by any one body. He doubted whether it would be correct to raise funds under the name of a memorial and , then split up the money among all the active bodies. Mr N. Rosser promised the support of the United Football Club. He had been asked to enquire if the controlling body would be made up from all sports bodies using the ground, which was at present leased by the Rugby Union from the Domain Board. The Cambridge Physical Culture Club would help as much as possible, said Miss Easter ._ If buildings were to be erected for indoor sports, such as basketball, then the club could benefit by sharing in the use of them, as at present no satisfactory facilities were available. An outdoor scheme would not be of great help to the club. High Target. When the monetary requirements of the various organisations were tabulated, it was realised that a very high target would have to be set. However, those present agreed that even small contributions to the various organisations would be welcomed and that the Memorial Park should be the main objective. Mr Reilly made it clear that the park would not be controlled by the Domain Board, but every sport using the ground would have representation on a central committee. The Rugby Union’s part had been to start the scheme by establishing its football grounds there. The union had spent £250 bulldozing 15 acres. There was much more ground available if it was wanted.

Some criticism was expressed that the Borough Council and the Domain Board were not represented at the meeting, and it was contended by several speakers that these bodies had neglected their duties to the young people of Cambridge.

Mr Moore stated that it was hoped to call a public meeting, when the scheme was under way, at which the Mayor would preside.

After some further discussion it was decided that a Queen y Carnival be held to raise funds for combined objects, and that the Mayor be asked to convene a public meeting which will be made as widely representative as possible. At the meeting a sub-commit-tee will be apopinted to consider the allocation of money raised to the various sporting bodies.