LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14338, 14 April 1920, Page 5

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

PLAYGROUNDS FOR HAMILTON. TENNIS AND FOOTBALL. RECREATION FOR CHILDREN. At a recent meeting of the Hamilton Domain Board the chairman (Mr A. Swarbrick) laid before the Board for consideration of the members a general outline of works to be undertaken for tile development of the domain lands, and he asked the Board last night to take active steps to carry out such parts of the programme as may be deemed desirable. All the works, lie said, were more or less dependent on finance, and to put their rating and finance on a satisfactory footing they would need a special Act' of Parliament. A draft bill had already been prepared and approved by the Borough Council, but it may be deemed desirable to add certain further provisions before submitting it to Parliament. In order to be in time for the coming session, it was necessary to deal with this matter at once. Before finally drafting the bill it was desirable that they should, as faf as possible, mature their plans so that nothing would be overlooked. The following matters appeared to require the Board’s more immediate attention:—(l) A caretaker's residence, a refreshment room and a ladies' retiring room at the lake; (2) dressing- accommodation for men at tiie lake; (3) tennis courts on section 7, Hamilton West Belt; (4) children’s playing grounds, and football Helds on sections 1, 2 and 3, Hamilton West Belt. Mr Swarbrick suggested, as the first step towards the active proceedings, that the members of the Board make a tour of the whole of the domain lands so as to discuss their position and further development on the ground. They could then go into each matter separately and consider the best means of carrying out the several proposed improvements.

Referring to the proposed tennis courts at the Chinamen’s gardens, Mr Swarbrick said the ground had been cleared and was ready for laying out. The idea was that the Tennis Courts Society should be given a lease of the land. The Board had, of course, to guard against the land falling into the hands of some exclusive body, and at the same, time should do everything possible to help the Society to lay out and prepare the grounds. The lease would have to be carefully drawn to protect the public interest. The society was showing the right spirit, and had already exhibited a desire to help itself. The Board should not be troubled with the management of the courts, yet should have a voice in dealing with the grounds. A committee consisting of the chairman and Mr A. E. Manning .was set up to meet the society in connection with the arrangements. Mr Manning thought the Borough should be prepared to assist towards the creation of children’s playgrounds. Mr Fow suggested an appeal to the business men of the town. The chairman's report was approved.