A BUSINESS PROPOSITION FOR THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIII, Issue 801, 13 July 1905, Page 7

A BUSINESS PROPOSITION FOR THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

Visitors to the Ellerslie Racecourse have, of course, all noticed the land on the right of the Green Lane entrance, and many have doubtless regretted that this does not form a portion of the Auckland Racing Club’s fine property. These will be interested to learn that the club has now a chance of acquiring the land, and the question as to whether this shall be done will in all probability form one of the most urgent matters to be dealt with by the incoming committee, which will meet for the first time at the beginning of next month. The land mentioned, some seventeen acres, is virtually enclosed by Green Lane, the railway, the entrance drive to the course, and the saddling paddock. Should the club decide that it is inadvisable to purchase the property, there are plans out, we understand, for running two roads through it and selling it in small cottage allotments. Should this latter proposal be carried out, it seems hardly necessary to say that nothing could well be worse for the club, as, in addition to spoiling the appearance of the property, it would also mean that the course would be overlooked by the occupants of the cottages, who would also have small difficulty in obtaining free access to the race track. Quite apart from this side of the question, however, it is evident that the purchase of the property would permit of the approach to the course and the enclosure being improved out of all recognition . for it would allow of a fine entry being made from Green Lane for the public, and would thus leave the present entrance gates for the use of members. and thus do away with the congestion of traffic on busy days. It would also permit of a proper enclosure being made for vehicles, a greatly desired convenience. The further advantages of the scheme are so manifest that it is hardly necessary to refer to them but of course the great question to be faced is the one of expense. The property can, we understand, be secured for the sum of £4500, and at the first glance many members will no doubt say the club is not in a position to pay away so much money. It is suggested, however, that the several improvements enumerated could be effected if the club retained half the land abutting on the racecourse, and then b.y continuing Morrin Road right through the section now offered, a valuable piece of land would be available for building sites. These should command a ready sale at from £2 per foot upwards, and the proceeds, after deducting the cost of the road, ought to bring down the original purchase price of the whole property to be acquired from £4500 to but little over £lOOO. The question of terms could, no doubt, be easily arranged ; therefore it is evident that the suggested purchase is quite practicable. Whether the committee will decide that is advisable remains to be seen, but the members can be relied upon to deal with the question on its merits. To us it seems a sound business proposition, and one which should meet with very general approval, and we venture to hope that the club will see its way clear to acquiring the property.