ANCESTRY OF SYDENHAM CRICKET CLUB AT PAPERS PAST BY FLAGON PARK

------SYDENHAM PARK ------Sydenham Park did not receive its name until 1894. According to the first two articles below, a Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association held its first show in October 1862 in a paddock of about four acres, the Press article saying it was in Armagh Street and the Lyttelton Times article saying it was fenced in by gorse to the north of Latimer Square with an 'inconvenient' entrance being located in Madras Street. It seems that the Association was a working committee formed to organise the first 'experimental' event because a Lyttelton Times article of 10 January 1863 reports that a meeting was to be held on 24 January to make the Association permanent. Having formed permanently, The Association purchased a 14 acre block of land in Colombo Street, the site of the future Sydenham Park, for £1560 at £120 per acre, the conveyance date being 14 July 1863. At the time this was thought of as the south end of Colombo Street. The second show of the Association was held at their new location in October 1863 and was an annual event there until the Association developed a new 33 acre ground in Addington which many current club members will have visited over the years. In recent times the showground has moved again to a much larger site at Hillmorten to the west of Curletts Road, called Canterbury Agricultural Park. Sydenham Borough was formed in 1877. The first Sydenham Cricket Club was also formed in 1877. From time to time cricket clubs and other organisations asked the Association to be able to use the show ground. The Association did allow some use but in general was not very receptive to such requests, being understandably wary to protect its greatest asset from damage and to avoid it being thought of as a public recreation space. By October 1887 the Agricultural & Pastoral Association had moved to their new 33 acre show ground at Addington for that year's show. Over the next few years they tried to sell the old 14 acre show ground at Sydenham to help finance their new purchase but finding a buyer at the desired selling price of £6000 in the depressed conditions of the time was not easy. The Sydenham Borough wanted the old show ground as a recreation reserve but affordability and hence accountability to the ratepayers was a problem, even after the Association dropped the asking price by a third to £4000. The Borough tried to get the government involved in a purchase but without success. This situation went on for quite a few years until 1893 when a bill presented in the House of Representatives on behalf of the Association forced the issue. The bill would have allowed the Association to dispose of the ground as quarter acre sections by lottery. Despite the misgivings of many of the House representatives about the gambling nature of the lottery and the risk of setting a precedent for similar bills, the bill passed its second reading, which severely increased the danger that the chance of having a wonderful public recreation reserve in the heart of Sydenham Borough would be irretrievably lost. Sydenham Borough representatives rushed to Wellington for urgent talks, the outcome of which was that the Government induced the House to pass a vote allowing the Government, the Borough and the Association to negotiate a deal. The Agricultural & Pastoral Association at a meeting on 24 March 1894 authorised the signing of the sale document of the old show ground to the Queen, and the long desired public recreation reserve came into being. The Government come up with half the £4000 sale price and the Borough came up with the other half by raising a loan for £2000. The new reserve was named Sydenham Park at a Sydenham Borough council meeting on 7 May 1894. Having procured the ground for public use, the council then entertained the idea in 1894 of allowing cycling interests to construct an imposing asphalt cycle racing track on the park, of which the public was decidedly not in favour. Discussions were well under way with the Pioneer and Christchurch Cycling Club but fell through when the latter and other supporting cycle clubs pulled out after the Lancaster Park company constructed such a track. Previously the Lancaster Park company had left the cyclists to use the unsuitable trotting track at Lancaster Park. That debacle was followed by the borough council entertaining the idea of a horse racing track being constructed at Sydenham Park by the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club for use on four days a year. There were already such tracks at Lancaster Park and Addington and neither the Lancaster Park company nor the disgusted Sydenham public were in favour of the idea. It could be that the trotting club was using Sydenham Park as a means to induce concessions from the Lancaster Park company regarding the trotting track at Lancaster Park. Once again negotiations were well underway, but the public outcry was great and, after representations by deputations of citizens at council meetings and a petition signed by 800 people against the proposal was presented to the council, some councillors changed their minds, and the council did not take the matter further. It was a close run thing because the vote on the relevant motion to reverse a previous decision to go ahead with things was passed 6-5 by a vote among the councillors. The Borough Council had already obtained permission via the Government to be able to charge entry to Sydenham Park on ten days a year and was agitating to be able to do it on twenty days a year. That and the cycling and trotting sagas show that the council was keen to make money out of the park, presumably due to the need to help pay it off, but I have also wondered if the council thought they could make Sydenham Park into a mini-version of Lancaster Park. Lancaster Park was originally established in 1880 specifically to allow cricket and other sports to be able to charge entry fees to their activities, the Provincial council and then the Christchurch City council having steadfastly refused to allow entry fees to be charged at public reserves since their establishment. Very loud echoes of this could be heard in the recent debate over whether Canterbury Cricket should be able to stage its commercial activities at Hagley Oval, part of the large Hagley Park reserve which when originally established was designated for the free use of the public of Canterbury at all times. A grand outdoor demonstration and fete was held at Sydenham Park on 29 November 1894 to formally open Sydenham Park to the public, the opportunity being taken at the same time to gather donations to the Wairararapa Relief Fund, the Wairarapa being a ship that had recently sunk with the major loss of 140 lives, the biggest number of people dying on a shipwreck in New Zealand's maritime history. The Sydenham Football Club, formed in 1882, put in a request in March 1894 to the Sydenham Borough Council for permission to use the park while negotiations by the Council with the Agricultural & Pastoral Association were still in progress, and were certainly playing matches there in the winter. In 1895 the third Sydenham Cricket Club, formed in April 1895, also obtained permission to use Sydenham Park. In the 1898-99 season the Sydenham Rivals Cricket Club began, they too being based at Sydenham Park. Other cricket matches were also played on Sydenham Park, for example by local church youth sides or occasional games played by various organisations. The Sydenham Cricket Club of 1895 lasted only a few months because later that year it merged with the second Addington Cricket Club to form the Sydenham & Addington United Cricket Club, the new name being adopted at the AGM on 31 August 1895. Other sports followed onto the park, the Sydenham Hockey Club which was formed in June 1898, and the Sydenham Bowling Club in April 1899, the latter reviving itself after an earlier stint in Kingsley Street, having first formed in October 1888. The bowling club had initially asked for a ground at the Waltham end of Sydenham Park, but took instead the northwest corner. The Sydenham District Cricket Club formed in 1905 to take the occupancy on Sydenham Park formerly held by the Sydenham & Addington United and Sydenham Rivals cricket clubs which disappeared with the advent of the Canterbury Cricket Association's new district cricket scheme. The use by the Sydenham football (rugby), cricket, hockey and bowling clubs continues to this day with tennis also being a sport that has been played at Sydenham Park. On 9 August 1902 the King Edward VII Coronation Memorial stone fountain was formally opened at a small gathering in Sydenham Park at the corner of Brougham Street and Colombo Street, a Coronation Oak being planted nearby as well. A Coronation Band Rotunda was opened in Sydenham Park on 19 Nov 1902 and Sydenham Park became a venue for regular concerts thereafter. As well as the usual sports played every season on the park, picnics, parades and fetes, and many other events have been held at Sydenham Park over the years. A great example is Broncho George's Wild West Exhibition in November 1900. Another great example is Captain SCOTT's crew of the ship 'Discovery' which played the Sydenham Hockey club at Sydenham Park in June 1904 and drew. Hockey was a sport they had played on the ice in Antarctica. There were military exercises conducted at the park during the Boer War by volunteers. In 1896, in a rather clandestine manner, the Sydenham Borough Council developed an installation for the disposal of night-soil (poo) on the edge of the Sydenham boundary by the South Belt (now Moorhouse Avenue), right next to the Christchurch City boundary. The City Council was most unhappy to find such a smelly and probably insanitary development on their doorstep and objected strongly, threatening health board or court proceedings against the Borough Council on the basis of danger to public health. The scheme in practice proved farcical in its ability to do the job (excuse the pun) and was stopped. The installation wasn't at Sydenham Park but a possible location mooted for the scheme had been Sydenham Park and I am sure the debate over the installation will be of interest to readers anyway.

------http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18621025.2.8&srpos=59&e=--1862---1862--100- CHP%2cTS-1-byDA-on--2exhibition-- Press, Volume III, Issue 78, 25 October 1862, Page 3 CHRISTCHURCH. AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION. The first show of the Canterbury Pastoral and Agricultural Association may be pronounced in the midst of some drawbacks to have been a great success. The show took place in a paddock of about four acres, in Armagh street, surrounded by a high and thick gorse fence, and covered with a beautiful sward of English grass. The pens were arranged round the sides and down the middle of the field, leaving ample room for the numerous visitors to walk about and for the magnificent stud of horses to struggle with their grooms and play their antics on the soft turf. The principal drawback was the weather; the day was fine but very cold, a strong southwest breeze blowing all the early part of the day..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=LT18621025.2.16&srpos=273&e=--1862---1862--100- LT%2cCHP%2cTS-201-byDA-on--2exhibition-- Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1039, 25 October 1862, Page 5 THE PASTORAL AND AGRICULTURAL SHOW. This event, which has been looked forward to with considerable interest for some time, came off very successfully on Wednesday last. The scene of the exhibition was a spacious paddock, well fenced in by gorse to the north of Latimer square; the entrance, which was very inconvenient, being in Madras Street. Ample room was afforded for the display of the stock, which were ranged round the four sides of the paddock, with plenty of room for visitors to examine them, both from the front and rear of the stalls..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=LT18630110.2.23.1&srpos=13&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2agricultural+and+pastoral+association-- Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1061, 10 January 1863, Page 5 AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. PUBLIC MEETING, IN pursuance of the following resolution, the working committee of the late General Exhibition of stock and implements, hereby give notice that a Public Meeting be held at the Town Hall, Christchurch, on FRIDAY, January 24th, at 3 o'clock, p.m. R. BRUNSDEN, Secretary. (Committee Meeting, Nov. 18,1862.) Proposed by J. Brittan, Esq., seconded by E. M. Templar, Esq.,--"That the recent experimental Exhibition having been highly successful, it is desirable that a permanent Society be now formed, to be called the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association; and that the committee take the necessary steps for the formation of such society, by convening a public meeting." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=LT18630429.2.24&srpos=40&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2agricultural+and+pastoral+association-- Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1092, 29 April 1863, Page 4 CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. This association, which resulted from the exhibition of last year, shows unmistakeable signs of vitality. At the first meeting held in January, the association was formed, under the patronage of his Honor the Superintendent and an efficient committee of management, of which Mr. R. Wilkin was named president, and Mr. Wm. Thomson secretary. By the rules of the society, an annual subscription of one guinea constitutes any person a member for that term, and anyone making a donation of ten pounds shall be a member for life. We are glad to say that no less than sixty four life members are already enrolled. The funds thus raised, added to the balance left over from the last exhibition, and a donation of £105 from the late owner of the land which has been purchased for the purposes of the society, will enable the committee to commence operations on an effective scale. From the favor already shown to the undertaking, we may fairly presume that a large number of annual subscribers will be enrolled for a purpose which must personally interest a large number of the people of Canterbury. A block of land, of nearly 14 acres in extent, suitably situated at the end of Colombo street, within a short distance of the proposed railway station, has been purchased, at a cost of £1560, being £120 per acre. It was for the purpose of electing trustees to this estate that a special meeting was held at the Town Hall yesterday, at 1 p.m., at which time, R. Wilkin, Esq., having taken the chair, and the minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed, it was proposed by the secretary, Mr. Thomson, and seconded by Mr. Moorhouse, that Messrs. Brittan, Wilkin, Palmer, J. Studholme, and W. Wilson be appointed Trustees, in whom the real and personal property of the association should be vested, which was unanimously carried. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting broke up. We gathered that a ploughing match is in contemplation, to come off at an early date, when our ploughmen will have an opportunity of showing their skill in raising the furrow. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18630430.2.11.2&srpos=41&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2agricultural+and+pastoral+association-- Press, Volume III, Issue 153, 30 April 1863, Page 5 CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. LIFE Members are respectfully requested to pay their subscriptions (£10) without delay to the Treasurer, Joseph Palmer, Esq., at the Union Bank of Australia here, in order that the Committee may be enabled to complete their arrangements for the purchase of the land. Wm. Thomson, Secretary, Christchurch, April 21,1863. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=LT18631024.2.13&srpos=186&e=------100--101-byDA-on-- 2agricultural+and+pastoral+association-- Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1147, 24 October 1863, Page 4 THE CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S EXHIBITION. The second annual show was held in the Society's grounds at the south-end of Colombo street on Thursday last. A more promising morning never gladdened the heart of the most inveterate sightseer. As early as ten o'clock Colombo street presented a most animated appearance from the numbers of people on foot, horseback, and in carriages, all tending to the one point of attraction the Agricultural Show. Upcountry settlers in their holiday garb came pouring in, shewing the interest taken in the exhibition by those immediately engaged in agricultural operations. The bringing together of first-class stock and improved farming implements for the purpose of information and instruction, is doubtless one of the main objects of the association, and by none of the large crowd of spectators were the chief points of excellence in any of the animals and implements exhibited more keenly appreciated than by the farmers and persons engaged in station operations. Up to two o'clock the crowd increased, and we should say at this time there could not have been less than 1500 people on the ground. Shortly before this a dark cloud had been gradually looming up from the south-west, and the more prudent began to move towards the town as there was but little accommodation on the ground to shelter from even a passing shower. The premonitory drops soon increased to a heavy rain, and there being every indication of a wet afternoon, the crowd quickly dispersed, and the show was at an end. This disappointment was unavoidable, but to be regretted. In the first place, the day had been appointed a public holiday, and though the practice of making exhibitions of this sort the excuse for proclaiming public holidays is not to be defended, the effect yesterday had been to gather from all parts a large number of people bent on keeping holiday. Then the efforts of the gentlemen concerned in getting up the exhibition had been crowned with extraordinary success, their reward being solely the enjoyment created for the public, which enjoyment was damped, not to say extinguished, in a most pitiless and effectual manner. Had the weather not proved so bad, there can be no doubt that a larger concourse of people would have been collected than at any former gathering in the province. Enough was shown on Thursday to prove that these exhibitions are highly popular, and we may look forward, with reasonable confidence, before many years to the time, when the Canterbury Pastoral and Agricultural Exhibition will occupy a broader basis, and include exhibitors from other provinces. If we are not the seat of Government, and can lay no just claim to be the centre of commerce, we certainly ought to merit the distinction of being facile princeps in all that relates to matters pastoral and agricultural. There were a large number of horses exhibited, including every class, blood, carriage, hack, draught, heavy and light, and ponies, and the province may feel a just pride in being able to produce such an assemblage of fine horses as were exhibited in each class. The muster of thoroughbred entires, imported or otherwise, was exceedingly good, and an improvement both in numbers and excellence upon the show of last year. Space does not allow us to enter into a minute discussion of the merits of each particular horse, but the award of the judges and their own observation at the show, enables most of our readers to come to a conclusion on this point. The draught entires attracted considerable attention and we noticed some really splendid animals of their kind, both imported and bred in the province. The show of young stock was very commendable, and contained some specimens exhibiting great promise. The hacks and carnage horses, though not so numerous as the former classes, were very excellent, and some good roadsters were exhibited. The exhibition of cattle was very fair as regards quality, but not so good in point of numbers as that of last year. The dairy cows shown by Mrs. Deans were as usual of a very superior breed, and presented some fine points of symmetry and beauty. About double the number of sheep were exhibited as compared with last year, and the long woolled varieties were particularly good. The show of Merinos, though containing some good ones, cannot be considered as representing the province. This may partly be accounted for by the unfortunate prevalence of scab in some of the flocks of the colony, and the difficulties in the way of transit from the great southern sheep stations. The pens of Southdowns contained some good specimens, and were highly commended by the judges who awarded several prizes in this class. Some pens of half-breds attracted considerable notice. The show of pigs hardly represented this class of animals, but some of the specimens exhibited noticeable features of good breeding. There was a superb lot of poultry exceedingly well arranged. Among the numerous varieties the duckwing grey game fowls and golden Hamburgh were very beautiful, and universally admired. A pair of white fantail pigeons were objects of great interest, as also a pen containing a pair of Juno's birds of magnificent plumage. A pen of poor geese and one of fine turkeys were also shewn, and we noticed some very handsome Spanish and Dorking fowls. Of dogs some admirable specimens were shewn from the valuable Scotch coolie sheep dog to the cross-bred pig hunter, combining the courage of the bull with the intelligence of the mastiff. A fine dog of the latter class was shown by Captain Cleaver, of the ship Captain Cook. Three of the saddlers of Christchurch exhibited. The cart harness made by Mr. Angus, was much admired from the excellence and finish of its workmanship, and elaborate ornamentation in white silk stitching of the rose, shamrock and thistle. A set of dog cart harness and two saddles excited especial attention from the original designs embodied in them. Mr. Woods' collection was very tastefully displayed, and nicely arranged, and exhibited some good samples of every kind of saddlery suitable for colonial requirements. The cart harness manufactured here for competition was an excellent sample of colonial workmanship, and although it did not gain the first prize, was considered by judges to be very superior. Mr. Peters exhibit was very good, and shewed a great amount of care and labor in its manufacture. As a whole the exhibition of saddlery was very satisfactory, and afforded a gratifying proof of the progress made, and excellence obtained in manufactures from materials prepared in the colony. Mr. Lilburne's prize for the best stockwhip manufactured in the colony, was taken by Mr. McFarlane. The whip a twenty-strand one, and a very neatly executed piece of workmanship. The dog-carts made by Mr. Wagstaff were very good examples of what can be done in the colony. As specimens of durability, elegance of design and finish, they will bear comparison with some of the best productions of carriage manufacturers in England. It is a source of considerable gratification to us to record the competition in ploughs. Mr. Keightley, of Kaiapoi, produced a plough of his own manufacture, which bore ofl: no less than five prizes, and when we consider that this plough was placed against those of Hornsby and other celebrated English makers, the result is very satisfactory. The chief superiority of Keightley's plough was considered by the judges to be its lightness of draught, and the formation of a better seed furrow. We are informed that the maker can produce these ploughs at a price but little in advance of that charged for those imported. A trial took place between Mr. Keightley's plough and one of Hornsby's; the judges pronounced in favor of the former. Among the implements exhibited were chain harrows, patent turnip drill, reaping machines, rotary corn screen, and other articles, by various makers, which were examined with great interest by the farmers. Some drain pipes and bricks of good quality were also shown by Mr. Jackson. One of the articles which attracted a large share of public notice was Ericsson's coloric engine, exhibited from the Lyttelton Times' printing establishment. Hot air was got up and the engine put in motion, much to the wonderment of some of the bystanders who were puzzled to make out the mode of its action. As an economic motor it in believed this engine stands unrivalled, and may be adopted with advantage wherever a low power is required. The site for the show is well chosen, but capable of considerable improvement. The arrangement of the different descriptions of stock, &c, was open to some objection. The animals should be more concentrated, which would render the inspection far more agreeable to visitors. There is no absolute necessity for having the pens so widely scattered, rendering the examination a rather tedious and toilsome proceeding than otherwise. The erection of sheds and suitable buildings will no doubt come in the course of time. This want of accommodation is a great drawback, and probably deters many from sending choice animals for exhibition. The ground should be properly fenced and let to the butchers for grazing; by this means a good close sward would be produced, and the nuisance of dragging through wet grass ankle deep, as experienced on Thursday, would be obviated. The thanks of the public are due to the gentlemen who organised and carried out the various arrangements, and who, in their various capacities, helped to a successful issue the show of Thursday last. We have no doubt there were many more concerned in it than we have any notion of, but we are sure that on no one has a greater share of the burden fallen, and by none has it been more ably borne, than by the honorary secretary, W. Thomson. A word en passant to the managers of this and other public exhibitions. Our representative when commencing to take notes of the various exhibits about eleven o'clock, was unceremoniously ordered off the ground by the police, although he explained his object, and was personally known to them. This is not as it should be. If the police would see that the representatives of the press had every facility afforded them for obtaining information, the public would be the gainers, and we should not have to complain of a want of that courtesy which is invariably extended to the body in England. [ a long list of results follows ] http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18771130.2.19&srpos=1&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22sydenham+cricket+club%22-- Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3856, 30 November 1877, Page 3 CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. ...A letter was read from the Sydenham Cricket Club, asking on what terms they could have the association's grounds to practice upon. The secretary was instructed to write that the committee regret they cannot let the grounds for purposes of cricket. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18780927.2.21&srpos=2&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22sydenham+cricket+club%22-- Press, Volume XXX, Issue 4109, 27 September 1878, Page 3 CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. An application was received from the Sydenham Cricket Club for the use of the association grounds at Sydenham for three days a week during the cricketing season, for the purpose of playing on, under certain restrictions and conditions. The secretary was ordered to acknowledge the receipt of the letter, and state the committee regret that they cannot see their way to comply with the request, although they would not object to entertain proposals for playing a special match, for which purpose application would have to be made to the ground committee.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18791227.2.16&srpos=19&e=--1879---1880--100--1- byDA-on--0sydenham+druids-- Press, Volume XXXII, Issue 4495, 27 December 1879, Page 3 FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' FETE. At an early hour yesterday morning, note of preparation was made for marshalling the various lodges of the Amalgamated Friendly Societies, prior to marching to the Show Ground, the morning, though rather cloudy, giving promise of a fine day. The marshals were— P.P.G.M. Slade for the Oddfellows, C.R. Watts for the Foresters, and D. P. Oppenheim for the Druids. A number of country lodges, which arrived by the early tram, being joined by the contingent from Lyttelton and the metropolitan lodges, all mustered at the Foresters' Hall under their respective officers (G.M. Slade having the whole under his control), and with their bands, emblems, and banners, marched lo the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Grounds. One of the chief features in the procession was a grand living emblematical tableau of the A.0.D., drawn by four horses. The picturesque dresses and venerable flowing beards of the members of the order made them one of the most interesting features. The Foresters, in costume, with their handsome regalia, and the well-filled ranks of the Oddfellows, similarly decorated, made an imposing appearance. All being ready, the procession started in the following order:- Battalion Band Togodubiline, or Ancient Druids:-- Oak of Lyttelton Mistletoe (Christchurch) Hope of St. Albans Pioneer (Christchurch) I.O.O.F., M.U. Phillipstown Lodge Star of Waltham Perseverance (Woolston) Benevolent (Christchurch) City of Christchurch Kaiapoi Rangiora And various country Lodges. Railway Band Foresters:— . Star of Canterbury (Juvenile) Court Star of Canterbury Thistle of the Forest Queen of the South (Sydenham) Queen of the South Templeton) Pride of Courtenay Queen of the Isles (Lyttelton) Richardson's Show Company (in costume) Past and Present District Officers Past Chief Bangers. On arrival at the Show Ground, the Orders opened out, and formed in a large semi-circle, the Druids being grouped on one side, the latter singing a welcome chorus. On the tableau waggon were grouped the Togodubiline, or Chief Druid, with a Druidess at his feet, with a golden sickle, and the four bards with their harps; the guardians standing at the horses heads. Each Lodge had four Arch Druids and Vice-Arches, endowed with the typical crook and crescent. A photograph being taken by Mr Wheeler, of Colombo street, D.P.G.M. Bro. Slade of the I.O.O.F., M.U., dismissed the bodies, and the sports commenced. The amusements on the ground were of a very varied character, comprising electric batteries, pneumatic lung testers, shooting galleries, and unicycle booths, and also Mr Proctor's camera obscura; then there were booths of all sizes where the creature comforts were dispensed, and these were largely patronised. Mr Ravenhill had a monster booth erected, and his men were kept very busy. As usual, Richardson's booth was to the fore, and the entertainment provided, which consisted of a bloodthirsty melodrama of the New Out style, recitations, &c, and these representations drew large houses. We cannot, however, compliment the committee upon the conduct of those who were managing this affair. Surely they ought to have some little courtesy, and not grossly insult those whose duty it was to chronicle events. A most glaring piece of insult was given to our reporter yesterday by those managing this show. The public could not complain of music; at one end of the ground was placed the railway band, whose lively strains of music contributed greatly to the pleasure of the day, whilst the land of the No. 3 Battalion discoursed dance music at another part of the ground, tempting very many, both young and old, to join in the dance. Another great attraction was the children's races, and for these the parties who had the charge of the prizes, appeared to have a most lively time of it with the youngsters. It appeared that these races gave universal satisfaction to the little ones, successful as well as unsuccessful competitors obtaining prizes. Among the visitors yesterday who received a special invite were 150 children from the Burnham Industrial School, with their drum and fife band. These little waifs appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly, and they left the ground highly delighted, carrying away a goodly number of toys, &c, presented to them by the committee. The arrangements on the ground for the various races were excellent, and the way the various events were carried on reflect the highest credit on all who had to undertake the duties required. To say that these were a labor of love would be no exaggeration, and with the exception we have already noted, no one could find fault with the way the various events were so successfully carried out, the limits of the running course being respected by the visitors throughout the day. Amongst the most prominent in seeing the arrangements successfully carried out Messrs Andrews and Hebden should be mentioned, and Mr John Ollivier was as usual to the fore, and proved a tower of strength. PROGRAMME OF SPORTS. Judges— W. H. Wynn Williams and John Ollivier, Esqrs. Referee— F. H. Digby, Esq. Handicappers — S. P. Andrews, M.H.R., and J. Hebden, Esqs. Starter— S. P. Andrews, Esq; M.H.R. Timekeeper — S. Thomson and J. Hebden, Esqs. Entry Secretary— J. Calder, M.U., I.O.O.F. Boys' Race, under 16; 440 yards; open to all comers. First prize, 20s; second, 10s; third, 5s. For this race there were six entries, S. Sheridan, Jas. McLean, S Seargeant, W. S. Goodwin, J. Atkinson, W. Lawrence. A capital start was effected by Mr Andrews, resulting as follows: S. Seargeant 1 J. Atkinson 2 J. McLean 3 Time. 61 3-5th secs. There is little to record of the race. The winner came through his competitors and won very easily. The second event was for the Grand Open Handicap, the distances being 220, 440, and 880 yards. First prize, £10; second, £5 third, £2 10s. Entrance, 5s. There were thirteen entries for this race. The first trials were for 220 yards, resulting as follows:-- J. Martin 1 C. Hulston 2 W. Penticost 3 This appeared to be a moral certainty for Martin, who came in an easy winner. The third event was the Three Mile Handicap Walking Race; open to all comers, and for which the celebrated pedestrian, C. Bowley, was entered at scratch. First prize, £10; second, £5; third. £2. Seven entries. The race was a good one, but contrary to general expectation, Bowley, who was walking in anything but his usual form, appeared to be out of it rather early in the contest, gradually losing ground to the end. It was noticed that several of the competitors, hut not the winners, had a tendency to break, which needed constant vigilance on the part of the judge. The race, which caused a great deal of interest, resulted in an easy victory for J. Wilson, C. Lawrence being a good second. The competitors came in in the following order:-- J. Wilson 1 C. Lawrence 2 R. Page 3 C.H. Pearce 4 C. Bowley 5 Time, 23 min 50 secs. Grand Open Handicap, 440 yards; seven entries. Pentecost and Hulston were placed at scratch. This was a smart spin, but Pentecost, owing to a bad start, lost his chance rather early. The others ran well, Martin especially, but at the finish the second and third ran close up. The winners were placed thus:— J. Martin 1 C. Hulston 2 P. Purchas 3 Time, 57 2-5th secs. Handicap Flat Race; half mile; open to members of Friendly Societies only. First prize, £5 5s; second, £2 2s, in trophies presented by Dr Campbell. To be run in regalia and plain clothes- Seven entries. The competitors were handicapped in the following order .— A. Anderson, C. Brown, T. Vincent (scratch), J. T. Smith and J. Keats, 5 yds, G. A. Montgomery 25 yds; C. H. Pierce, 30 yds. Pearce took the lead, Brown last, the rest being about equidistant. Montgomery, when two-thirds round, rushed to the front, and passed the post first. Smith and Keats a dead heat for second and third places. The race, which was very smartly run, was pulled off as follows:-- Montgomery 1 Vincent 2 Smith 3 Boys' Race, under 14; 440 yards; open to sons of members of Friendly Societies only. Br McDonald's prizes. First prize, value £1 15s; second, 18s; third, 10s. There were five entries, but only four started, Cusick (Forester), W. Duckworth (Druid), George Hayward and John Fox (Foresters). This race was gamely run in 75sec. Unfortunately Fox tripped and fell, which lost him his chance of winning the race, which was decided at follows: Cusick 1 Hayward 2 Duckworth 3 Running High Jump; open to all comers. First prize, Mr S. D. Nathan's, value £2 second, £1. Five entered for this event, the jumping being above the average. Broadley looked at first very like winning, his jumping being excellent, but he was at a disadvantage by not being in athletic costume. The following is the result;— T. Lyford, 5ft 2 1/2 in 1 Wm. Lavery, 5ft 1 1/2 in 2 J. Broadley, 5ft 1in 3 Grand Open Handicap; 880 yards. Five starters. W. Pentecost, 10 yds; C. Brown, 20 yds; C. Hulston, 20 yds Purchase, 20 yds; Martin, 25 yds. Martin, Brown, and Purchase led in their respective positions. Pentecost assumed the lead when two-thirds round. In the second the order was as follows :— Pentecost, Purchase, Martin, Brown and Hulston. Martin was leading when half round in second lap, followed by Brown and Purchase, but the former dropped when about one hundred yards from the winning post. Purchase passed Martin when fifty yards from home, corning down the straight, leaving Purchase an easy winner; Martin second. Purchase 1 Martin 2 Time, 2min. 13 sec. In this race, Martin, a stranger, from Auckland, and a well-known sprint; runner in the North Island, was mistaken by the handicappers for an amateur runner of the same name residing in the Ferry road, not quite so well-known to fame. Otherwise he would probably have been more heavily taxed. It would be as well if, for the future, when strangers wished to enter for these sports that the committee should compel them to give particulars of races they have contested, the localities, and their best time. Archery Match. First Prize value £3 3s, presented by Wynn Williams, Esq.; second, £2 2s; third, £1 1s. Seven entries. Mrs E. A. Worthy 1 Mr C. Brown 2 Miss Marshman 3 One Mile Walking Handicap Walking Race: open to all comers. First prize, £3; second, £1 third, 10s. Nine entries— C. Bowley, scratch; R. Paige, 60 yds; F. Gibson, 50 yds J. Fraser, 75 yds; C. H. Pierce, 90 yds; A. M'Nae, 90 yds; B. Sandall, 100 yds; G. Roberts, 100 yds and C. Laurence, 130 yds. At the firing of the pistol the men started off, and during half of the lap maintained their position, on passing the post the first time Laurence led. Bowley seemed evidently out of form, and on entering the second lap some fifty yards he gave up the contest, and retired. During the third lap Pierce had improved his position and took third place, J. Fraser taking the lead from 0. Laurence by some thirty yards, which he maintained to the end. Gibson maintained a good position in the race, coming in about thirty yards behind the third man, but had he been less heavily handicapped from his style of performance he would have been nearer the winning post. The race resulted as follows:— J. Fraser 1 C. Laurence 2 C. H. Pierce 3 Time, 7min. 11 4-5th secs. Vaulting with Pole; open to all comers. First prize, £2 2s (Mr Johnston's prize); second £1. For this event there were four competitors, it was won by Treleavan, 7ft. 9in.; C. A. Eldridge, 7ft. 8in., second. Treleaven 1 C. A. Eldridge 2 Boys' Three-legged Race (under 16}— 220 yards. First prize, £1; second 10s. Laurence and Atkinson 1 Rice and Gilks 2 Half-mile Handicap; open to past and present officers of the Oddfellows, Foresters, and Druids. First prize, Mr Berti's Cup, value £15 15s and a Past Officer's certificate framed, presented by Mr J. S. Willcox; second, two-thirds of the entrances and acceptances; third, one-third of the acceptances. Six entries. Pentecost, 5yds; Keat, 15yds: Bowley, 15yds; T. H Brown, 25yds; Montgomery, 25yds; T. Bath, 50yds. This was a good race. In the first round Montgomery leading, Keat ten yards behind him and Bowley thirty yards behind him. Bath dropped out, and the second and deciding lap resulted as follows— Keat 1 Montgomery 2 Bowley 3 Girls' Race, 100 yds. First prize, work-box, value 25s; 2nd, lady's reticule, 15s ; four entries. Fanny M'Donald 1 Emma M'Cormick 2 One Mile Handicap Race; open to all comers. First prize, cup, value £25, presented by the Licensed Victuallers (to be won twice), and £2; second, £1. Fight entries, and six starting. In the first round the following order was maintained, Hill, Allison, Whiting, Hewitt, and Brown, Montgomery falling out. These positions were kept in the next lap with the exception of Whiting and Allison changing places. The same order was maintained in the third round, but in the fourth Hewett drew ahead, Hill still keeping the lead, the former coming in a good second. Hill 1 Hewitt 2 100 Yards Race; open to all-comers. First prize £3, second, £1. Four entries. This was one of the smartest spins of the day, Hulston winning easily and Martin good second, and the others not far behind. Hulston 1 Martin 2 Time, 10 and 3-5ths secs. Hurdle Race, 440 yards; open to all comers; over twelve flights of hurdles 2ft 6in. First prize, £5; second, £2; third, £1. This was a gift to Wright, who took the lead from the first, followed by Bradley and Martin half round the course. Wright drew swiftly ahead, and Bradley fell out. They came up the straight in the following order— Wright, Martin, Hulston, the first-named winning at his ease. Wright 1 Martin 2 Hulston 3 Time, 68 and 2-5 th secs. Handicap Race, 300 yards; open to members of Fire Brigades in full uniform, without helmets. First prize, £3; second, £2; third, £1. Six entries. J. Anderson (scratch) Hall (17 yards) D.H.Brown (15yards) 3 Quarter Mile Race; open to Juvenile Members of Oddfellows, Foresters, and Druids. First prize, Messrs Strange and Fountain's, value 35s; second, 10s; third, 5s. Competitors to produce certificates of membership; to be run in regalia. Ten entries. J. Beattie 1 H. Lowry 2 F. Cooper 3 Time, 73 secs. Quoit Match, open to all comers. First prize, £3; second, £2; eight competitors. The match was splendidly contested, lasting several hours, resulting as follows: R. Hepburn 1 _ Hodge 2 440 Yards Race, open to volunteers In full uniform, rifle and side arms. First prize, cup value £2 2s. presented by H. Thomson, Esq.; second, £1 1s. As there were only two entries there was no second prize, under the conditions of the race. Volunteer J. Anderson, C.G. 1 Sergeant Manning, C.G. 2 100 Yards Race, open to past presiding officers of the Oddfellows, Foresters, and Druids only. First prize, cup, value £1 1s. presented by Mr Lezard; second, 15s; third, 6s; three entries. The race was amartly run, resulting in an easy victory for C. McBeath (Forester). C. McBeath (Forester) 1 A. Wilson (Oddfellow) 2 J. T. Smith (Oddfellow) 3 P. G. Brooker. I.O. F., M.U., Oppenheim, A.O.D, also ran gamely. Committee Race, 440 yards, handicap. First prize, £2 second, £1; third, 10s. Three entries. This race was very closely contested, Simpkin leading, Bath second, and Bowley gradually lessening the distance from the first. When within 20 yards of the winning post Bowley made a splendid spurt, and came in first, Simpkin measuring his length for second place, and Bath pluckily bringing up the rear. Time, 60 secs. Bowley 1 Simpkin 2 Bath 3 Tug of War between ten Foresters, ten Oddfellows, and ten Druids. Prize £2 10s. The Foresters' team were first matched against the Druids, and after a game struggle the victory fell to the former, who fairly pulled their opponents over the mark. The Oddfellows then entered the lists against tbe conquerors, and the deciding tussle commenced, and after each side doing their level best, the fortune of war fell to the heavier metal of the Oddfellows. 100 Yards Race. Open to past officers of the Oddfellows, Foresters, and Druids over fifty years of age. Prize cup, value £3, presented by Messrs Hall and Milsom. H. Crooks (A.O.F.), Slade (I.O.O.F.M.U.), and J. Milsom (I.O.F.M.U.) entered for this race, which resulted as follows.— H. Crooks 1 Slade 2 http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18801002.2.28&srpos=9&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 3888, 2 October 1880, Page 4 AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from the Sydenham Cricket Club, asking for the use of the show grounds on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 p.m. until dusk, and on Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m., from the months of October to March inclusive, on the condition that the shows and fetes are not interfered with, and that the Club would be responsible for any damage done. The Club offered to pay £20 for the use of the ground for the season. A discussion ensued on the subject, some members being of the opinion that the players would disturb the sheep kept in the ground. Mr Mann stated that, the Albans Club practised in his paddock, and his sheep suffered no inconvenience. Mr Wilkin thought that before settling the matter, the question of the Club charging for admission to their matches should be taken into consideration. He would propose that the request of the Sydenham Cricket Club be granted, on condition that the Club pay the Association half of the gate money taken on any occasion, and pay for the extra services of the caretaker, in addition to the £20 mentioned in their letter, dogs to be excluded, and fences looked after, the agreement to be drawn up by the Committee. Mr Boag seconded the motion. Mr Cunningham.was opposed to the Association parting with the control of the ground on any terms. Mr Wilkin suggested that the agreement should be terminable by a week's notice. Mr Cunningham suggested that if they let the club have the ground, all the population of Sydenham would attend these matches, and make it a recreation ground which was undesirable. After some further, discussion, Mr Henderson moved that the matter be relegated to the Ground committee, with power to act. Mr Sutherland seconded the amendment, which was carried. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18820707.2.16&cl=search&srpos=10&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2%22sydenham+cricket+club%22--&st=1 Star , Issue 4431, 7 July 1882, Page 3 AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION Letter from the Secretary Canterbury Association Football Club, stating that in consequence of the Exhibition Building having taken up one of the places available for football matches, they were unable to find a suitable ground, and requesting the Association to kindly allow the use of their ground for the Club's Saturday afternoon matches. The President said they had previously refused a similar application from the Sydenham Cricket Club, and the present request was declined. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18821007.2.10&srpos=12&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 4510, 7 October 1882, Page 3 The Sydenham Cricket Club have offered the Agricultural and Pastoral Association £25 a year for the use of the latter's ground in the evenings and on Saturday afternoons during the season. At yesterday's meeting of the Association's Committee the offer was rebooted, but hopes are entertained that after the Show has taken place the application may be favourably reconsidered, if due security be given that no damage will be done to the property. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18840325.2.22&srpos=55&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22++sydenham-- Press, Volume XL, Issue 5782, 25 March 1884, Page 3 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. The usual fortnightly meeting of body took place last night...... Mr Andrew moved, pursuant to notice "That during the next session of Parliament steps be taken to obtain an Act to enable the Council to sell the borough reserve No. 72 at Addington, and to invest the proceeds of such sale so as to enable the Council to acquire a similar or larger reserve in a more central part of the town." The mover explained that the reserve had been set aside in 1869 for the purposes of an abattoir, and had more recently been conveyed to the Council as a plantation reserve, that being the only way it could be granted, although it was really wanted for a recreation ground. He further pointed out that while the ground referred to was in the extreme outskirts, the centre of the borough was left without any place to use for sports, &c. Moreover, the Addington people had ample space open to them in the Domain without this piece. He thought about five acres near the Show Grounds could be secured. Cr. Day seconded the motion. After discussion it was thrown out, nobody voting for it but the mover and seconder. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18850102.2.26&srpos=59&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22++sydenham-- Star , Issue 5198, 2 January 1885, Page 3 Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association's General Committee held an ordinary meeting this afternoon...... A letter from Mr Robert Wilkin was read, expressing regret at his being unable to attend, but desiring to oppose any change in the site of the present show grounds, preferring rather to acquire additional land near the grounds. He thought the counsel of Mr Gould should be taken, that gentleman having behaved so nobly towards the Association. He would not look to the Government for assistance, but feared a diminution of revenue if a more distant locality were selected. The letter went on to suggest (in the event of a change of site being found unavoidable) the formation of a Limited Liability Company, of 5000 shares at L1. Debentures at 6 per cent might be issued in small quantities. The present grounds might be offered to the Sydenham Borough Council as a recreation ground, the purchase money to be payable in fifty years. The interest on this would yield an annual income little short of the ordinary expenditure. He thought that if Warnambool had 50 acres for show grounds the Association should have at least 30 acres, near a railway, and to be reached by tram also, if possible. The management of the Company could be entrusted to the Secretary of the Association. The consideration of the letter was postponed till later on. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18850605.2.20&srpos=63&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 5329, 5 June 1885, Page 3 An ordinary monthly meeting of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held at two o'clock this afternoon at the rooms of the Association...... A letter was read from the Clerk to the Sydenham Borough Council, asking if the Association were prepared to sell the present Show Grounds in Colombo Street south, as that body were seeking to obtain a central recreation ground. They wished simply for information. It was unlikely that the Council would be able to purchase unless the price were reasonable. They would be glad if the Association would at once name the lowest price they would take. Mr Henderson proposed "That a Committee should be appointed to meet the Sydenham Borough Council and confer with them." Mr Grigg dissented from this, and moved as an amendment "That the Secretary be instructed to write to the Council, saying that the Association were willing to entertain a definite offer if they would make one." Messrs Henderson, Money and the Chairman could see no harm in meeting the Council by means of a Committee, and discuss the proposal without committing the Association. The amendment was withdrawn, and the following were appointed as the Committee to confer with the Council, with power to report to a future meeting Messrs Bruce, Wilkin, Sutherland, Henderson, the President and Vice-President..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18860421.2.40&srpos=28&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+addington-- Star , Issue 5599, 21 April 1886, Page 4 Sydenham Election. MR R. M. TAYLOR AT THE ODDFELLOWS' HALL. Last night the Colombo Road Oddfellows' Hall was crowded, on the occasion of Mr R. M. Taylor, one of the candidates for Sydenham, addressing the electors of that district. There was another matter which would be of great importance to them, and that was the getting of a sum of money placed upon the Supplementary Estimates for the purchasing of the show grounds as a recreation reserve. (Applause.) They knew that a vote would sometimes bring about these little things if it was properly managed. (Applause and laughter.) If he had the honour of being returned, he would leave no stone unturned to secure that recreation ground for the Borough of Sydenham. He contended that they had a perfect right to ask Government for this, as Sydenham was not like other places, largely endowed out of the public estate. (Applause.) http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18870211.2.25&srpos=29&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+addington-- Star , Issue 5849, 11 February 1887, Page 3 SYDENHAM WHISPERS...... Since my return I notice the old Agricultural Show Grounds have undergone a great change. The grand stand, from which on show days our lady folk could view the many changing scenes like a moving panorama, has been removed, and the place will know it no more. Anticipations were great, months previous to the big show day of the year, not less with Sydenhamites than with breeders of stock and manufacturers. Sydenham being thus known all over the Colony through this great show, will have to look up, or she may lose ground. Many and various are the conjectures as to the ultimate fate of the late show grounds. Some say the place should be turned into a recreation ground for the rising generation but then we have one of five acres at Addington, showing on the extreme corner of the Borough, like Italy on the map of Europe. Many say the old show ground will be cut up into building sections ; others, that it may form another Chinese Colony. But, best of all, I think, a noted boniface in Sydenham, who is a go-ahead in business, likes a fast trotter, and possesses a private museum of costly curios (from Captain Cook's cutlass, wielded against the Owhyhee Natives, to Lord Nelson's table napkin) is reported to be making overtures for its purchase. He intends, it is understood, to convert the place into a pleasure ground and tea garden, with a running track for athletic sports. Thus, ere long, Sydenham may he the gainer by having a combination of Lillie Bridge, Hackney Wick, and Brompton, with a few side shows thrown in. More power to him, say I, for his enterprise.... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18870401.2.30&srpos=79&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 5892, 1 April 1887, Page 3 Agricultural and Pastoral Association. THIS DAY. An ordinary meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this afternoon.... THE NEW GROUND. The Ground Committee reported that the sheep pens and landing stage at the new ground had been completed in the most satisfactory manner. The produce shed had been removed from the old ground and was now being re-erected. Mr Tribes' tender had been accepted for the work at £266. In consequence of the large number of entries at the Ram Fair, the Committee had been compelled to order a number of hurdles in addition to those lent. The new hurdles would answer as gates for the sheep pens. The next work to be carried out would be the pig pens. Before erecting these it would be necessary to erect a length of the boundary fence. The Committee suggested that tenders should be called for erecting the bottom fence of the Show ground proper. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Matson and Co., Messrs Miles and Co., and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., for the loan of a number of hurdles for the Ram Fair. The question of fastenings for the sheep pens was left in the hands of the Ground Committee. It was decided to go on with the erection of the corrugated iron fence along the north side of the ground. The various sub-Committees for last year were re-elected, with the addition of the names of the new members of the General Committee. THE OLD GROUNDS. A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council, stating that a Committee of the Council would be glad to meet the Committee of the Association in order to ascertain if an arrangement could be made to acquire the old show grounds as a recreation ground for the Borough. The Hon J. T. Peacock, Messrs Boag, Cunningham, Sutherland, Deans, Ferguson, and Henderson were appointed a sub-Committee to meet the Committee of the Sydenham Borough Council, and to report at next meeting. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18871017.2.22&srpos=81&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6884, 17 October 1887, Page 5 The member for Sydenham is regarded as the Joe Miller of the House. In speaking to the motion for adjournment this afternoon he declared that Minister-sought to have forfeited the confidence of the country by not inserting in his Excellency's speech a paragraph to the effect that £6000 would be placed on the estimates to enable the Borough of Sydenham, which he represented, to obtain a recreation ground. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18871028.2.18.3&srpos=22&e=--1884---1888--100-CHP- 1-byDA-on--0+%22new+show+ground%22-- Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6894, 28 October 1887, Page 4 THE WEEKLY PRESS OCTOBER 28 In view of the approaching METROPOLITAN SHOW And the great interest which will be felt by thousands in the NEW SHOW GROUND, THIS ISSUE OF WEEKLY PRESS CONTAINS A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW GROUND AND ITS NUMEROUS IMPROVEMENTS, TOGETHER WITH SPECIAL ILLUSTRATED SUPPLEMENT, Showing the Ground with its approaches, and giving a clear idea of the admirable way it has been laid out, and ITS GENERAL APPEARANCE, TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS OF THE PRESIDENT AHD THE SECRETARY. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18890611.2.40&srpos=36&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+addington-- Star , Issue 6569, 11 June 1889, Page 3 Show Grounds.— The Sydenham Borough Council considered the question of purchasing the Old Show Grounds at Sydenham for a public Recreation Ground, &c., and relegated the matter to a Committee to report further upon it at the next meeting. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP18890723.2.56 Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7369, 23 July 1889, Page 6 RECREATION GROUND FOR SYDENHAM. DISCUSSION IN THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Sydenham Borough Council held a special meeting last evening to consider the report of a Sub-Committee on the question of purchasing the old Show Grounds for a recreation reserve. The report of the Sub-Committee has already been published. It recommended briefly that the Council pay the sum of £1000 on the execution of a lease of the grounds for sixteen years or thereabouts, for the right to purchase the property at any time during the term of the lease for the sum of £4000, exclusive of the £1000 mentioned; that the rent paid be £200 per annum, and a strip of land along Colombo and St. Leonard streets be sold or let on Glasgow leases, the proceeds of sales to go towards the purchase of the land, and the proceeds from leases to be devoted to the reduction of the rent to be paid by the Council. Cr. Forrester moved, and Cr. Muffitt seconded the adoption of the report. Cr. Jacques said the purchase of this land would mean a tax of £250 a year on the ratepayers, a burden he did not think they would care to incur. A recreation reserve, he thought, could be got in a better place a little further away. Cr. Bowden said the question was one for the ratepayers to decide, as to whether they should be committed to an expenditure of £3000. A recreation reserve was required, and they had one already in Sydenham, but they made a very bad use of it. He thought the Council would make a bungle of it if they endeavored to let part of the land on lease, Glasgow or otherwise. His opinion was it would be a white elephant, and they had enough white elephants. He would vote against the proposal. Cr. Taylor said he found London made better provision for recreation than did any part of the colonies. It was very desirable that they should have a recreation ground, but he could not support the report. Cr Forrester had said at the last meeting that if the proposal were put before the ratepayers it would be rejected. He objected to having the scheme forced upon the ratepayers. He moved as an amendment — "That before any action is taken towards purchasing the recreation reserve the necessary steps be taken, as provided for in part ix. of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1883, to submit the question of purchasing a recreation reserve to the ratepayers, with a view to raising the necessary money by special loan should the proposal be approved of." Cr. Bowden seconded the amendment. He would support the report if the proposal to lease part of the ground were withdrawn. Cr. Muffitt supported the motion, and said it would have been better had the objections been made sooner. Cr. Booth said he would support the motion before the amendment, but, at the same time, if it was the opinion of the Council that the matter was one on which the opinion of the ratepayers should be obtained, he saw no objection to such a course. The report had been published and been before the ratepayers for a month, but there was hardly one voice raised in the borough against it. So far as he was able to judge popular opinion, he thought the ratepayers were agreeable to leave the matter in the hands of the Council. The Committee were of opinion that the probable income would meet the probable expenditure. There was no doubt as to a recreation reserve being required, and the old show ground was the best site in the borough. The land would increase in value in future years, and the price they were offering was: a fair one at present. Cr. White said the ratepayers should have a voice in saying whether the Council were justified or not in committing them to the expenditure of the money. He was against part of the reserve being cut up. The Mayor supported the motion. Cr. Forrester replied, and the amendment was then put and carried by five to four, the voting being as follows:— Ayes, Crs Jacques, White, Taylor, Bowden and Gledhill; Noes, the Mayor, and Crs. Forrester, Muffitt and Booth. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18890723.2.36&e=------10- PubMetaTS-11-byDA---2%2522st%252Bjames%252Bpark%252Broad%2522-- Star , Issue 6604, 23 July 1889, Page 4 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Council met last night...... OLD SHOW GROUND. The Committee's report on the proposal to purchase the old Show Ground, as already published, was then considered in special meeting held for the purpose. Councillor Jacques opposed the proposal to buy the land on the ground that the ratepayers would not sanction any addition to the present rates, and this scheme alone would entail a cost of £250 a year. Councillor Bowden also opposed it, as he contended that the question should be decided by the ratepayers themselves. The purchase of a cemetery had been opposed, and as a speculation he considered that this proposal was not a good one. Councillor Taylor moved as an amendment "That the matter be submitted to the ratepayers, and that if they approve of the purchase it be made by special loan." Councillor Bowden seconded the amendment, which met his views, but he thought they could purchase quite as suitable a site for a Recreation Ground at a very much less price only a trifling distance farther away. Councillor Booth supported the motion, as he had heard most people speak favourably of the proposal to buy the ground. He also contended that the purchase would prove a very good speculation. Councillor Muffett supported the motion. Councillor White drew attention to the fact that, owing to the Addington reserve being let for pasturing cows, there was practically no reserve on which the youth could play football. He supported the amendment, as he considered it was a question for the ratepayers to determine. If they favoured the purchase, he would be in favour of the reserve being left intact, and not cut up into small sections and a portion of them sold. He considered that it would be small enough as it is. The Mayor said that the ratepayers generally approved of the proposal to purchase the reserve. The amendment was then put, and carried on a division. The special meeting was then adjourned, and ordinary business resumed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP18890912.2.10 Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7413, 12 September 1889, Page 3 PUBLIC MEETING AT SYDENHAM. Last evening a meeting of the ratepayers of the Borough of Sydenham was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Colombo road. His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Langdown, occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. The object of the meeting was to give the various candidates for the vacant seats on the Council an opportunity of expressing their views on matters affecting the welfare of the borough. Mr T. J. Gledhill expressed his opinions on several matters, and said that it was necessary that something should be done to bring down the insurance premiums. He explained why the Town Clerk bad been appointed Valuer. Mr J. Hopper, in reply to questions, said he would support the purchase of a recreation ground, if the ratepayers were in favor of it. Personally he would rather see a water supply scheme in preference to the purchase of a recreation ground. He thought the purchase of the old show ground would be taxing the ratepayers too much at the present time. Mr B. R. Muffett, who was received with loud applause, referred to the pledges he had given when he was elected three years ago, and defended himself against the charges of inconsistency, incompetency, and maladministration of the Council's funds that had been made. He spoke at length upon various subjects, and explained the views he held. Mr W. Ruddy said he had come forward at the request of a section of the community, on the ground that he had resided in the borough for nine or ten years, and had been associated with the Council for nine years. He criticised the various schemes that had recently been put before the ratepayers. Mr Smith said he claimed he had a right in common with any other ratepayers to come forward for a seat on the Council. He would work for the welfare of the borough, and his platform would be " fairness.' He favored the purchase of a recreation ground. A vote of thanks to the Mayor then terminated the meeting. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18900304.2.64&srpos=132&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 101-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7490, 4 March 1890, Page 6 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. The usual meeting of this Council took place last night, when there were present — The Mayor (Mr G. T. Booth), Crs. Gledhill, Hopper, T. E. Taylor, Brown, J Jacques, K. M. Taylor and White. An apology was received from Cr. Smith for absence on account of ill-health, and leave of absence was granted to him, also to Cr. Forrester...... A special meeting of the Council was then held to consider a report of the Recreation Ground Cornmittee, recommending that a poll be taken to ascertain the wish of the ratepayers as to borrowing £5500, or other sum, for the purchase of the old Show ground or other land for a recreation ground. Cr T. E. Taylor moved the resolution in this matter standing in his name, was seconded by Cr. Hopper. Crs White, Gledhill, Hopper, and Jacques spoke to the motion, which was carried. The matter will be before the Council for confirmation a month hence, and Councillors generally expressed a hope that in the meantime more details would be placed before the Council. The Council resumed its ordinary sitting, and after hearing a deputation as to lighting and sanitary matters in Sandridge, adjourned. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18900508.2.51&srpos=139&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 101-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7546, 8 May 1890, Page 5 SYDENHAM RECREATION GROUND. MEETING OF BURGESSES. A meeting of the burgesses of Sydenham was held last night In the Oddfellows Hall to consider a proposal by the Borough Council to raise a certain special loan of £5500 for the purchase of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's old Show Ground as a recreation reserve. The matter was brought before the meeting by the Council under the Municipal Corporations Act. The Mayor occupied the chair, and there was a very small attendance. The Chairman said that they all what the object of the meetings was, and if they wished to secure a breathing space for the future inhabitants of the borough there would not be a better opportunity than now. Whether they purchased the Show Grounds or some other site for a recreation ground was matter for consideration in the future. The Council were not in a position to purchase any site, and the question now before the ratepayers was whether they would sanction the loan. If they carried the resolution in favor of the loan he would call a poll, and it would be necessary that a majority of the available votes and voters should poll. Councillor T. E. Taylor would move a resolution on the subject. Cr. T. E. Taylor said that with a view of putting the matter before the ratepayers, he would move— "That this meeting approves of the proposal to secure a block land in the Borough of Sydenham for recreation purposes. The matter had been before the Council for some years, and on the 24th of June last year, a more detailed proposal to secure the Agricultural aud Pastoral Association's ground came before the Council. A Committee appointed reported in favor of purchasing the Old Show Grounds for £5000, the sum of £4000 remaining over for sixteen years and the sum of £1000 deposit be paid at once. There ware also provisions for letting or selling a strip of land fronting on Colombo and St. Leonards street, such rent-or purchase money to be taken as a reduction of the purchase money to be paid by the Council. The scheme was not adopted, but an amendment to put the matter before the ratepayers before pledging the ratepayers to such an amount was agreed to. Had they adopted the recommendation of the Committee to which he had alluded, they would have had a recreation reserve fenced in, so to speak, by shops or dwelling-houses. He thought that they should go further down and secure, say 50 acres for £5000, instead of having to pay for fourteen or fifteen acres. The growth of the borough had been very rapid, and he thought they would find a site half a mile further down would be in the centre of the borough. This would serve their purposes as a recreation ground for their people, and when it was wanted one situated half a mile below the show ground would be quite central enough. They did not want a block of land for recreation purposes now, and he might say that they had had a good block of land offered to them at £100 per acre, and he thought they could spend £5000 to better advantage than purchasing the Show Grounds. Those grounds would not be sufficiently large for a mass meeting of the inhabitants of Sydenham. Even if they did not sell the privileges, all they would have would be about fourteen acres, not sufficient for a park for Sydenham. He thought that a block of land in Wilderness lane would be far better. He was strongly in favor of reserving sites tor recreation, because they were in this respect a long way behind London. There were large reserves in London for parks, besides the commons, far more so than they had done in this new country. Therefore, they should take means, whilst land was reasonably cheap, to secure breathing spaces. As Chairman of the Finance Committee he might say that a recreation reserve could not be obtained except by means of a special loan. This would necessitate a rate of a ninth of a penny in the pound, which would cover the interest on the £5000. It had been said by some one that they should not take care of posterity, but leave it to posterity to look after Itself. If this principle had been carried out by those who had preceded them in the settlement el the Province they would not have had Hagley Park or the tunnel, to neither of which had they contributed anything. Cr. R. M. Taylor seconded the motion pro forma and said that he thought the Municipal Corporations Act prevented what the last speaker proposed. Clause 178 of the Municipal Corporations Act provided that the Council must give notice of a loan for "the particular work," and therefore he argued that if the Council gave notice of a loan to be raised to be spent generally and not specially, it was against the law. Therefore, he took it that the proposition now made amounted to a general spending scheme, which was against the law, and it would be useless for them to take a poll on the question. Mr Mayne opposed the proposal to expend £5000. He thought £2000 or £3000 would be quite sufficient to expend in the way proposed. Mr B. Muffett said that the proposer of the resolution had given them a history ot the way in which the scheme had been dealt with in the Councll. Mr Muffett then proceeded at some length to detail the negotiations which had taken place as to the purchase of the old show grounds. He thought the proposal was throwing dust in the ratepayers' eyes. There were some 1400 ratepayers on the roll entitled to vote, and he thought it was impossible for the proposal to be carried, the Act requiring some 840 persons to record their votes. In connection with the loan they had raised for the benefit of all the district It had cost £37 to secure the ratepayers to do their duty. He did not think the ratepayers at Addington who had a nice little reserve of five acres, or those down at Lancaster Park, would submit to be taxed to the extent of a ninth of a penny in the pound. The whole expense of taking the poll would be thrown away, as there was no chance of the proposal being carried, owing to the absentees, who would not vote. He should oppose the resolution on these grounds, and he hoped they would do the same. Mr Peacock said if the Council bought the old Show Grounds and sold the frontage they would render the recreation reserve useless. If they bought one at twenty minutes' distance they could get to Hagley Park in that time. They did not want the reserve, and he hoped the ratepayers would vote against it. They had Hagley Park, to the use of which they had as much right as the Christchurch residents, and therefore they did want any more. Cr Smith said that he had told them when asked that he was in favor of purchasing the old Show Grounds, if there was not to be an increase of rates. At that time he thought the accrued interest would be sufficient to pay a portion of the purchase-money, but found that they had had to transfer £1000 to the general account. Personally he was in favor of the old Show Ground if they purchased a recreation reserve at all, as it would be quite large enough for their needs. He thought there were other members of the Council who were in favor of purchasing the old Show Ground; but there was this to be said— that in his opinion £5000 was too much to pay for it. He thought £4000 would be ample. Mr Dawson said that he thought they were there that night before they were ready. The Councillors evidently were not agreed. At any rate there was a strike amongst the Taylors. He thought tbe matter should be remitted back to the Council to consider, and come down with some scheme. He had always thought that the Corporation of Sydenham should purchase the old Show Grounds, as it was well in the centre. He could not agree to the proposal to go only so far to the west as proposed by Cr T. E. Taylor. Was there not some site nearer? At any rate he thought it would be better for the matter to be again discussed by the Council so that they could come down with a definite proposal. The increase of a ninth of a penny in the £ was not a large one, but there were many burdens to be borne now. The Chairman said that he desired to say a few words and to express his regret that there seemed to be a suspicion that something not quite right had been done by the Council. It had been thrown out that the Council had thrown dust In the eyes of the ratepayers, and also it had been insinuated that they were going to buy a piece of land outside the Borough for the benefit of some one. These were quite unseemly. He might say that the objection raised by Cr R. M. Taylor was, in his opinion, fully met by the notice given by the Council to the ratepayers. As to the frontages being sold, that would not be necessary if they raised a special loan. They would have money enough to purchase the block without letting or selling any of the frontages. As to the size, he would point out that the old Show Grounds were larger than Lancaster Park. If the ratepayers agreed to the special loan, he thought he was speaking the mind of the Councillors when he said that they would he in favor of purchasing the old Show Grounds, but they would oppose going so far as Wilderness lane. As to the price, the notice did not commit the ratepayers to give £5500, nor did he think that the Council would agree to giving that sum. He felt sure that if the Council went to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and offered cash they would get a fair offer. Cr. T. E.Taylor said that he had taken up the matter that evening as his Worship Mayor was Chairman of the Committee having charge of this matter, and could not move the resolution. He thought the Council were well within the Municipal Corporations Act in the notice given, and as to the price of the old Show Ground he agreed with Councillor Smith that £4000 was sufficient. Now, as to the locality. He would not be in favor of a reserve towards the westward at all, but In the neighborhood of Colombo road, and this, he thought, ought to remove any suspicion that the Addington contingent wished to get the reserve in their district. As to the financial position of the borough, they were going to the bad some £350 per year, and had it not been for the interest accrued on the balance of the loan they would have had to come to them for more rates. This they had had to do this year. Their general fund would, therefore, not bear any strain at all on it. Therefore it was necessary for them to come to the ratepayers, as, he contended, that on such large questions as this the voice of the ratepayers should be heard most distinctly. He held most strongly that if they did not secure a recreation reserve their children would be justified in censuring them for their negligence. Their member (Mr R. M. Taylor) had endeavored to get the Police paddock from the Government as a recreation reserve, but up to the present without any success. He looked forward, however, to the political eruption which would take place shortly with confidence if they could only enlist the services of the three members who would be returned for the whole district. The whole question was in a nutshell. If they wanted to secure a recreation reserve they must have a special loan. They could not by any means finance its cost out of the general fund. The resolution was then put and lost by a large majority. The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the Mayor. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18920507.2.20&srpos=234&e=------100--201-byDA-on-- 0%22bowling+club%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8166, 7 May 1892, Page 5 The Old Show Grounds at Sydenham will be offered for sale by auction to-day at noon by Messrs Miles and Co. at their Land Salerooms. The ground will be offered in one lot at £4000 upset price. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18930811.2.8&cl=search&srpos=760&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-701-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham--&st=1 Star , Issue 4720, 11 August 1893, Page 1 A LOTTERY BILL. CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE. [from our own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, August 10. There was a brisk and breezy debate in the House this afternoon, on the motion for the second reading of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association Empowering Bill, No. 2. In moving the second reading, Mr Sandford explained that the object of the measure was to enable the Association to dispose of some fourteen acres of freehold land in its possession, on the art union principle. It was necessary to be got rid of this land, in order to raise money to pay for the larger area of thirty-three acres which has been purchased for a show ground in place of the old ground, which was the subject of the Bill. The Association had endeavoured to dispose of the ground privately, but had been unable to find a purchaser. If this Bill passed, the intention was to put up the ground into small sections and working men would be able to obtain quarter-acre sections for residence purposes. This Association was, he believed, the leading Agricultural Society in the Colony, and it was doing a grand Colonial work. No profit whatever on the Society's operations went into the pockets of the promoters of the Bill, but were used in providing an extensive prize list each year. In these exceptional circumstances he thought the House might fairly pass the Bill. Indeed, bad it not been an exceptional case he would not have taken charge of the measure. Mr W. Hutchison said it was perfectly natural and reasonable that the Association should wish to dispose of this land, but that the House should be asked to sanction its disposal by lottery - "by gambling, Sir "— was a most extraordinary proposal. I don't know where we are going he plaintively added, and the House encouraged him to go on by an approving "Hear, hear." Gambling he declared to be our national vice. We had legalised it in connection with horseracing, and this was another proposed descent. He would not object to lotteries of pictures, but a land lottery was to his mind dishonest. This Bill could not be altered in Committee ; from its first line to its last it was saturated with gambling. He therefore moved that it be read a second time that day three months. Mr Hogg seconded the amendment with regret, for he very highly esteemed the member in charge of the Bill, but he felt bound to oppose it in the interest of public morality. The idea of Mr Hogg lecturing Mr Sandford on a moral question tickled the House immensely, and there was laughter, long and loud. Mr Hogg went on to epitomise the Bill in epigrammatic phrase as a measure to enable the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to set aside the Gaming and Lotteries Act. If the House allowed a wealthy institution like this to sit aside the law, what kind of precedent would be established? Every public or private institution would soon be found claiming a similar privilege. In conclusion he deplored that the member for Christchurch should have introduced a pernicious measure designed to encourage gambling in high places. The Hon J. M'Kenzie hoped that the House would reject the amendment. It was, no doubt, very nice to have this high-flown talk about public morality, but let them come down to dry matter of fact. (Hear, hear.) He claimed that no Agricultural Association in the Colony had done so much good as that of Canterbury in the bona fide interests of settlers. The splendid show that it held every year was in the best interests of the Colony, and new arrivals from Home declared that it was equal in many respects to the best shows in the Old Country. The legislature had allowed gambling in connection with horse racing, and it would surely allow it in connection with this Association. If there was any occasion on which it would be desirable to set aside the Lotteries Act, this was a proper case. He was no gambler himself, he had never gambled a shilling in his life but there was a good end in view in this case, and he thought the House might give the permission desired without fear of encouraging lotteries or gambling. Mr Buchanan speaking on behalf of the North Island settlers, said they owed a great deal in the interests of progressive farming to the Society whose proposal was now before the House. For years past the North Island settlers had been importing the best stock from the south. They were always anxious to go to see the Canterbury show, and very few came back empty-handed. They also came back with new ideas, which not only benefited themselves, but were scattered broadcast throughout the districts where they resided. He hoped that the House would take a broad view of this subject and pass the Bill. Mr Earnshaw warned members not to accept the gospel preached by the Minister for Lands to do evil that good might follow. It was no proper argument to say that because the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association had done good work the House should approve of a gambling transaction. He was happy to think there were many men of principle in the House, and he hoped they would put down their feet on this proposal. Mr Meredith said that the remarks of the Minister for Lands and the member for Wairarapa fell short of fully describing the good work done by this Association. It occupied a unique position in the Australasian Colonies, and its annual shows were not equalled anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. The land which it was proposed to sell was in the Borough of Sydenham, and was suitable for cutting up into small building sites. He almost felt inclined to ask the Minister for Lands to purchase it under the Lands for Settlement Act, and cut it up for building sites, but the undertaking was too large. He was against the immorality of this Bill (hear, hear), and he regretted that the Minister for Lands should lend his influence in support of such a measure. That which was morally wrong could not be politically right, and he regretted that Mr Sandford should allow his reputation to be sullied by bringing in this Bill (Laughter.) He hoped he would withdraw it. Mr Tanner also expressed disapproval of the Bill. He objected to giving power to dispose of this land in a speculative manner. No doubt the Association had done a large amount of good work, but that was beside the question. This was a proposal to enable the Society to set the law at defiance. This land might be a white elephant in the Association's hands, but that was no business of the House. The land was situated in the centre of a populous borough; it was a large open space planted with trees, and it would be a crime to allow it to be cut up and built upon. It should pass into the hands of the Sydenham municipality and be used as a recreation ground. (Hear, hear.) Future generations would condemn the folly of men who allowed the land to be cut up. Mr Rolleston did not think the member in charge of the Bill need consider his reputation sullied by bringing it in. The proposals of this measure were not without precedent.- There was a provision already existent enabling Agricultural, Pastoral and Poultry Associations to dispose of exhibits by lottery, and this Bill would simply add another item to the list of articles that may be so disposed of. Under the existing Land Act the Government conducted ballots for land, and he did not know that there was any great difference in this proposal, though he did not pretend to understand anything about gambling. He would like to see this land made into a recreation ground, but there was no prospect of that, and as meanwhile the Society was in difficulties, he hoped the measure would become law. Mr Buckland supported the Bill, and advised the Sydenham Borough Council to secure a few tickets in the art union, so that it might have a chance of getting land for recreation purposes. Sir R. Stout hoped the House would not agree to the Bill, as he saw no reason why this Association should have special power not conferred upon other societies or individuals. There were many tracts of land throughout the country that could be more advantageously sold by lotteries than in the open market, and if there was to be any legislation it should be of general application. Mr George Hutchison thought at first that Mr Sandford was playing a political joke on the House by introducing this Bill to show the absurdity of any departure from the Gaming and Lotteries Act, and he could hardly yet suppose him to be serious in asking the House to agree to the second reading. If the Bill were passed there would probably be applications from fifty or sixty other societies who would wish to sell land by lottery. Mr Rhodes said the Association had for five or six years been trying to sell this land. The price had been reduced from £6000 to £4000, and no definite offer had been made for it by the Sydenham Borough Council. Sir John Hall pointed out that at the Property tax valuation before last the land was valued at £9000. He would be very sorry that the Borough of Sydenham should not have the benefit of this land for recreation purposes, and he hoped that those members who opposed the Bill would help the Borough to obtain the land. Mr Taylor said the Sydenham Borough Council had certainly been endeavouring to purchase this land, but the price had been entirely beyond its means unless a special loan was raised, and it was difficult to get the ratepayers to vote in the direction of increasing their rates for the purpose of purchasing land for recreation. If the Minister for Lands would do what he ought to do, he would place, say, £2000 on the estimates towards the acquisition of this land by the borough of Sydenham. The principle of this Bill was not altogether what it ought to be. Look at the Globo Assets Company, for instance. Would it not like to sell all its land on the same principle. A member of the Opposition interjected "Sheep lands," whereupon Mr Taylor added, "Yes, sir, and if they would undertake to put men on the land instead of sheep I would vote for the lottery right off the reel." (Laughter.) He could not support the Bill in its present shape, and he hoped the Minister for Lands would reconsider tbe matter and adopt his suggestion. On a division, seventeen voted for the amendment and thirty-five against it. The second reading was then carried on the voices. On the motion that the Bill be committed on August 24, Mr W. Hutchison rose to oppose the motion, with the intention of delaying the committal to a date when it would have no chance of coming on. Mr G. Hutchison said August 24 would suit very well, as there was business on the paper for that day which would occupy the whole sitting. The motion was then carried on the voices. The prospect of the Bill being passed this session I consider rather doubtful, as it may be obstructed in Committee. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18930829.2.22&srpos=763&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-701-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Star , Issue 4735, 29 August 1893, Page 3 RECREATION GROUND FOR SYDENHAM. The Mayor of Sydenham, who has been here in connection with the proposal to acquire the old Show Grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for the purpose of a recreation reserve, left by the Talune this evening. He has, I believe, good reason to feel satisfied with the result of his mission. In company with Mr Taylor he saw the Premier finally this morning, and received the assurance that the matter would be favourably considered by the Cabinet, so as to obviate the necessity for the passing of the Bill to authorise the lottery of the land. It is understood that some difficulty has been experienced with regard to how conditions could be attached to the Government vote of money so as to make it impossible that the land could be diverted for any other purpose, but I believe that Ministers will find means of overcoming this obstacle, and of tendering the desired assistance to a most praiseworthy society, while at the same time rendering valuable service to the dense population of Sydenham, which is far removed from the public domain or recreation ground. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18931007.2.16.3&srpos=780&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-701-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Press, Volume L, Issue 8607, 7 October 1893, Page 6 THE SYDENHAM SHOW GROUNDS. The people of Sydenham are to be congratulated on having at length had placed within their reach the acquisition of the Old Show Grounds. It would have been nothing short of a misfortune to the borough had those grounds been sold for building purposes. The need of recreation grounds even under existing circumstances must be generally recognised, and in the not distant future the necessity would have been much more strongly felt. In Hagley Park, thanks to the foresight of the founders of Canterbury, we have a magnificent lung of the City, and, no doubt, it will be jealously preserved against all encroachment. But Sydenham, which has grown into its present proportions during the last fifteen or twenty years, had no such reserve set apart for the benefit of its citizens. Fortunately the Agricultural and Pastoral Association many years ago acquired the grounds which will now be devoted to the benefit of the borough. Having removed to a more convenient position, the Association found their old grounds on their hands. The more enlightened citizens of the borough fully recognised the importance of acquiring the land, but failed to obtain the necessary authority to raise the money. At one time it looked as if the site was about to slip out of their hands, but the vote which the Government has induced the House to pass has altered the position. The Agricultural and Pastoral Association will get rid of a serious embarrassment, whilst the people of Sydenham will have acquired a recreation ground which will be a boon to the borough for all time. We congratulate all concerned on this satisfactory solution of the difficulty. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18931222.2.43&srpos=805&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Star , Issue 4832, 22 December 1893, Page 3 MAYORAL. The adjourned annual meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held at 6.30 yesterday evening, for the purpose of installing as Mayor Mr Jacques, the present occupant of the position. There were present Councillors Smith, Jones, Brown, Winney, Muffett, Forrester and Hadfield. After the usual formalities had been complied with, Mr Jacques...... hoped the Council would quickly decide the question of the old show grounds. The Hon J. M'Kenzie would be there on the following day, and some of the members of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association were going to interview him on the matter, and it was hoped that some further concessions would be allowed by the Government. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940112.2.45&srpos=809&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Star , Issue 4846, 12 January 1894, Page 3 CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE. An ordinary meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock...... THE OLD SHOW GROUNDS. Mr Murphy, the secretary, reported the progress that had been made in the negotiations with the Sydenham Borough Council concerning the old show grounds. Mr Ferguson said he had heard that the Sydenham Council did not intend to continue negotiations unless it could get everything its own way. He thought that the committee should not consider its offer any further or be fooled any longer. The Chairman said the only difficulty was whether the Government would allow the Council to charge on twenty-one days during the year. Mr Seddon had said he might allow fifteen days, but the Council wanted the full twenty-one days. The question was whether the committee should hasten negotiations or not, and make the Council feel that it might lose the ground altogether. He thought, however, that nothing should be done as yet by the committee. Mr Ferguson desired all negotiations with the council discontinued. On the motion of Mr Henderson, it was decided that unless something definite was decided by next meeting the committee should take steps to deal with the ground in some other way. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940209.2.22&srpos=815&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Press, Volume LI, Issue 8714, 9 February 1894, Page 4 At the meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday, exception was taken by one of the members to the words "playing a waiting game" as applied to the action of the Sydenham Borough Council with regard to the old Show Ground. The expression was used by Mr John Ferguson at the meeting preceding, and had been recorded by the Secretary on the minutes. Strange to say the Committee "played a waiting game" themselves a few moments after in connection with the same subject. They agreed to wait until after the meeting of the Sydenham Council, to see if they appointed a delegate to go to Wellington to urge the purchase on the Government, and then Mr Murphy, their Secretary, would also be sent. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940214.2.49&srpos=818&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham Star , Issue 4875, 14 February 1894, Page 3 THE OLD SHOW GROUNDS. [Special to the "Star." WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. Mr W. Jacques, Mayor of Sydenham, and Mr M. Murphy, secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, have arranged to interview the Minister of Lands on Friday next, for the purpose of closing the arrangements for the purchase of the Sydenham show grounds. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940306.2.16.2&srpos=1319&e=------100--1301-byDA- on--0sydenham+football+annual+meeting-- Star , Issue 4892, 6 March 1894, Page 2 SYDENHAM CLUB. The twelfth annual meeting of the Sydenham Football Club was held last evening. There was a good attendance of members, and the chair was occupied by Mr W. Hoban, president...... It was resolved that a deputation should wait on the Sydenham Borough Council with reference to obtaining the use of the Old Show Grounds. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940309.2.4.4&srpos=831&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8738, 9 March 1894, Page 1 CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. NOTICE is hereby given that an EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held in the ASSOCIATION'S ROOMS, HEREFORD STREET. CHRISTCHURCH on SATURDAY, the 24th Day or MARCH, 1894, At 11 a.m., For the purpose following, namely— To pass a resolution to sell that piece of land situate in the Borough of Sydenham, containing 14 acres or thereabouts, and known as the Old Show Grounds, and vested in the Association. Dated this 8th day of March, 1894. By order. M. MURPHY. Secretary. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18940313.2.18&cl=search&srpos=4&e=--1894---1895--100--1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+football+club%22--&st=1 Star , Issue 4898, 13 March 1894, Page 2 BOROUGH COUNCILS. SYDENHAM. An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening, there being present— the Mayor and Councillors G. J. Smith, Muffett, Forrester, Jones, Rudd, Winny, Brown, Clifford, Hadfield and Samuels...... THE RECREATION GROUND. A deputation from the Sydenham Football Club asked permission to use the Showground Reserve for practice during the next fortnight; further arrangements to be made when the Council secured legal control over the Reserve. The Mayor promised to interview the Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and ask him to grant this request...... MISCELLANEOUS. Councillor Smith, on behalf of the subcommittee, stated that the matter of the title of the show ground had been satisfactorily arranged, and would be completed within a fortnight. The sub-committee was given power to pay over the £2000 for the grounds as soon as everything was arranged. Councillor Muffet entered his final protest against the acquisition of the ground under the system of financing adopted by the Council. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940324.2.27&srpos=841&e=--1885---1895--100- CHP%2cTS-801-byDA-on--0Agricultural+and+Pastoral+Association+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4907, 24 March 1894, Page 4 THE OLD SHOW GROUNDS The Sale Arranged A general meeting of the members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this morning for the purpose of completing the sale of the old Show Ground at Sydenham as a recreation reserve. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes (president) occupied the chair, and there were thirty eight members present. The Chairman, having explained the terms upon which the land was being parted with, the Hon J. Peacock moved— "That the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will sell to Her Majesty the Queen that piece of land situated in the Borough of Sydenham containing fourteen acres or thereabouts known as the Old Show Ground, for the sum of £4000, as the said land is not suitable for the purposes of the Association ; and the members present at this meeting hereby request Joseph Palmer, Esq., and John Studholme, Esq., trustees on behalf of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, by virtue of a certain deed of conveyance, dated July 14, 1863, to join in the said sale and also in the conveyance, transfer or other assurance of the said sale of land for the purpose of vesting the same in her Majesty the Queen as a public reserve under the Public Reserves Act, 1881, and the Acts amending the same, as a recreation ground for the inhabitants of the Borough of Sydenham. This was seconded by the Hon C. O. Bowen, and agreed to. The President and Secretary were authorised to sign the necessary documents on behalf of the Association. The meeting then closed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940410.2.30&srpos=226&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4921, 10 April 1894, Page 2 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening ; present:- The Mayor (in the chair), and Councillors Brown, Taylor, Rudd, Jones,. Smith, Hadfield, Muffett, Clifford, Langdown and Samuels. Leave of absence was granted to Councillors Winney and Forrester...... THE OLD SHOW GROUNDS. When the confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting was under consideration, Councillor Smith moved as an amendment to the motion for confirmation "That the protest of Councillor Muffett regarding the purchase of the Show grounds be expunged from the minutes, the same not being in accordance with facts." The amendment was seconded by Councillor Rudd, and after considerable discussion, was carried by 7 to 3. A committee, consisting of Councillors Brown, Jones, Hadfield and Clifford was appointed to arrange for the opening of. the newly-acquired recreation ground...... THANKS. On the motion of Councillor Rudd, seconded by Councillor Hadfield, the following resolution was passed "That this Council, as representing the ratepayers of the borough of Sydenham, desires to express its acknowledgment of the very valuable services rendered by his Worship the Mayor in carrying to a successful issue the intricate and tedious negotiations in connection with the securing the old Show Ground as a public park." http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/ChristchurchCityContextualHistoryOverviewThemeVII- docs.pdf Cycling has its greatest importance in Christchurch’shistory as a mode of transport, but the flat terrain also meant cycling was a popular sport. The first velocipede race was held in 1869, from Latimer Square to the railway station and back. Racing on tracks and on roads were both common from the late 19th century on. In 1879 the Pioneer Bicycle and Amateur Athletic Club was formed, followed shortly afterwards by the Touring Cycling Club. The Atalanta Cycling Club, formed in 1892, was the country’sfirst women’scycling club. There was a championship cycle meet in Hagley Park in 1880, the year after the Pioneer Club was formed. The Pioneer Club eventually acquired premises in central Christchurch and its name is perpetuated in Pioneer Stadium. From 1885, cycling was one of the sports which found a home at Lancaster Park, where there was a formed cycling track. Subsequently a cycle racing track was built at Denton Park in Hornby. Cycling was also a popular recreational pursuit and for a time the city had a bicycle band (formed in 1895) whose members played their instruments while also riding their bicycles in formation. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940427.2.39&srpos=1&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4936, 27 April 1894, Page 3 Pioneer Bicycle Club. The monthly general meeting of members of the Pioneer Bicycle Club was held in the club-room last evening. The captain (Mr W. J. S. Hayward) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council in reference to the formation of an asphalt cycling track at the old show grounds, and asking the club to appoint delegates to meet the Show Ground Committee. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940504.2.48&srpos=229&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4942, 4 May 1894, Page 3 Proposed Cycling Track.— Yesterday a deputation from the Pioneer and Christchurch Cycling Clubs waited on the Recreation Ground Committee of the Sydenham Borough Council with regard to the proposed bicycle track on the old show ground. The matter was discussed at some length, and the deputation agreed to meet the committee again on the ground to inspect the proposed site. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940505.2.23&srpos=1&e=--1894---1896--100--1- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22+football-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8786, 5 May 1894, Page 7 Football. — The Senior matches for today are Merivale v Christchurch and Linwood v East Christchurch at Lancaster park, and Canterbury College v Sydenham at Sydenham Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940507.2.20&srpos=230&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8787, 7 May 1894, Page 5 CYCLING AT SYDENHAM. The Old Show Ground or Park Committee of the Sydenham Borough Council, with the Borough Clerk and members of the Pioneer Bicycle Club and Cyclists' Alliance, paid a visit of inspection on Saturday afternoon in connection with a suggestion which had been made that a cycling track should be laid on the recently acquired recreation ground. Plans and specifications which had been drafted showed that the park could be supplied with a track and then provide accommodation for other kinds of amateur sport. The Committee however, reserved what opinions on the subject they might possess, though they were careful to point out that, however favourably disposed they were towards the scheme, it could not be carried into effect without funds, which was a question which required much consideration. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18940508.2.16 Star , Issue 4945, 8 May 1894, Page 1 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. An ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening..... RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE. The Recreation Ground Committee reported that it had conferred with representatives of the Christchurch Bicycle Clubs on the question of laying an asphalt bicycle track on the new recreation ground. The Committee was satisfied that if the track were laid it would prove a profitable investment, and therefore requested authority to carry out the work. The Council went into committee to consider the report, and it was resolved that his Worship the Mayor and Councillors Brown, Jones, Hadfield and Clifford should be a Recreation Ground Committee till September, and that they should be authorised to lay down an asphalt bicycle track, in accordance with the plan before the Council. It was decided that the recreation ground recently procured by the Council should be named Sydenham Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940508.2.21&srpos=232&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8788, 8 May 1894, Page 5 SYDENHAM PARK. The Sydenham Borough Council, at its meeting last evening, had under its consideration the question of laying down an asphalt bicycle track in the newly-acquired recreation ground. It was decided, with one dissentient, to construct the track, which is estimated to cost £330. The plan approved of provides for a track 410 yards round and 18ft wide, except in the straight where the width is increased to 24ft. The straight is ninety-five yards in length. The Bicycle Clubs in Christchurch have made favourable offers of support, and it was considered that the money expended on the track would be a profitable investment. It was also decided to give the new grounds a name, and Sydenham Park was selected. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940512.2.30&srpos=234&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8792, 12 May 1894, Page 8 SEARCH LIGHTS...... I have noticed the Sydenham Solons looking particularly wise lately. Bad sign ; so unnatural. I felt sure they were about to do something particularly asinine. And sure enough they are at it. They are going to spend some hundred odd pounds laying down an asphalt cycling track in Sydenham Park. There is already at Lancaster Park the finest cycling track in the colony, and Lancaster Park is nearer Sydenham than any where else, in fact it's actually within the boundaries. But it is not enough for this ambitious and expansive city. The intention in providing the town with a public park at the public expense was that the good people of Sydenham might have a recreation ground, a playing field for their boys, and breathing place for their youngsters and nursemaids. The proper thing to do was to plant it with shady trees, construct a carp pond or two, lay it out in pleasant walks— and let the people feel it was their very own to do as they liked in. But no, the Councillors can't see it; they can't conceive of a pleasure resort without a gate. Already they are allowed to charge admission ten days in the year they are worrying about a special bill to enable them to charge on twenty days. When they have incurred debt for this cycling track they'll want to charge on forty. And so it would go on till at last the people who haven't got bobs to spend in swelling the gate will be barred from the Park altogether, and instead of being a people's park it will become a cockney Campus Martius, in which to witness the exploits of the cash amateur and the cad on castors who "breaks records." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940522.2.12&srpos=2&e=------10--1---- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4957, 22 May 1894, Page 1 Sydenham Borough Council An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council waa held last evening; present— The Mayor (Mr W. Jacques), Councillors Brown, Taylor, Budd, Jones, Hadfield, Muffett, Samuels and Clifford...... THE BICYCLE TRACK. Mr J. W. Smith waited on the Council regarding a petition he had presented to the Mayor, asking that a public meeting should be held to consider the question of the bicycle track. It was pointed out that many persons had signed the requisition under a misapprehension. Councillor Muffett moved that the public meeting should be held. The motion was not seconded, and the matter dropped. Messrs A. M. Ollivier, L. A. Cuff and Dr Jennings waited on the Council as a deputation from the Lancaster Park Company regarding the proposal to lay down an asphalt cycling track at Sydenham Pack. They took exception to the Council spending public money on such a work in opposition to a private enterprise. They stated that their company intended putting down a track. There would thus be two tracks, and neither of them would pay. The company had. been awaiting details from the Cycling Clubs or the work would have been undertaken sooner. Messrs Eyre, Waller, Myhre and Oates, representing the Pioneer Bicycle Club, stated that their club and the Christchurch Cycling Club were prepared to guarantee part of the cost of a track, such as that which had been shown them in a plan and explained. After some discussion Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Jones seconded— "That upon a satisfactory guarantee being completed by the Pioneer and Christchurch Cycling Clubs, in fulfilment of the promises contained in their letters, dated May 7, the construction of the cycling track on Sydenham Park be proceeded with forthwith." The motion was carried, Councillor Muffett alone dissenting. It was decided that the Park Committee should meet the representatives of the Cycling Clubs to arrange details. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940523.2.47&srpos=1&e=------10--1---- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4958, 23 May 1894, Page 3 Cycling Track at Sydenham. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Your correspondent "Observer" in last night's Star endeavours to condemn the councillors of Sydenham for their action in deciding to put down an asphalt cycling track on the recently acquired Sydenham Park. He writes with as much enthusiasm as if he were a shareholder or director in an opposition ground company, but apparently finds he is fighting for a losing cause. His statement about an injustice being done by the Sydenham councillors is lamentably weak. As a matter of fact, it is the directors of Lancaster Park who are endeavouring to bring about an injustice. Instead of complying with the articles of association, they ignore cycling interests, and encourage a very undesirable branch of sport, in which the gambling element is predominant, and the cyclists' representations on scores of occasions for an improved track have been treated with contempt, they knowing full well that in the absence of another track the Cycling Clubs must hold their race meetings on the splendid trotting track at Lancaster Park. "Observer" states that an asphalt cycling track is neither necessary nor of public utility. Why then should those representing Lancaster Park now be anxious to put down an asphalt track on their grounds? His advice to the councillors to look well after the guarantors is an insult to the cyclists as a body. He quotes figures of ten years ago for comparison, which to every unbiased mind is unfair. Cycling ten years ago and to-day are not on the same footing. He has overlooked the fact that during the past four years the Pioneer Bicycle Club alone contributed to the Lancaster Park Company the sum of £251. It will thus be seen that the sum guaranteed is well within the mark. Briefly stated, the Sydenham councillors are evidently fully alive to the need of adopting measures to improve and beautify Sydenham Park, and as business men readily realise that a considerable income is derivable from this and similar sources, which will tend to make the Park self-supporting, and without having recourse to additional taxation upon a class of ratepayers who probably find they have quite enough burden to bear in this direction.— l am, &c, PRACTICAL. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940526.2.55.2&srpos=236&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4960, 26 May 1894, Page 6 Cycling Track at Sydenham. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— "Practical's" reply to my letter wisely avoids its most important point— the injustice of using money raised by the rates to compete injuriously with one of the ratepayers. He also, and wisely, ignores the effect that using the park as a means of raising revenue would have on the purpose for which it was originally acquired, viz., a public recreation ground. On the other hand, an asphalt track with raised corners is in his eyes apparently a "thing of beauty"— there is no accounting for taste. Last February the cyclists' delegate promised to supply the company's directors with details of what they required in this matter of an asphalt track. This has not been done, although the secretary had several interviews with the said delegate on the subject. It is evident from this that if the cyclists' interests in this matter were ignored, it was not by the directors of Lancaster Park, but by one or more of their own body. "Practical" accuses me of giving statistics of ten years ago with the intention of misleading readers. If he will read my letter again he will see that I referred to the average of the last ten years. Writing for readers of average intelligence I forgot to mention that last year was 1893— perhaps Practical" will now grasp that fact. His own details for the last four years are entirely wrong. During 1890-91-92-93 the Pioneer Bicycle Club yielded a total revenue of under £131, or less than £33 yearly. I would point out that, because a company, for its own purposes or that of its patrons, undertakes to construct or erect a building or other object, it by no means follows that such building or object is of public utility and absolutely necessary. Still less does it follow that its cost should be defrayed out of the public funds in opposition to the said company. "Practical" finally appeals to the Sydenham ratepayers. To them he says in effect: You will possibly have a small (and it would be very small) addition to the rates to enable the Council to maintain your park. Instead of submitting to this, sanction a gross injustice, allow all the cost and more to fall upon one of your number, one indeed who has paid during the last fourteen years some £260 in rates. I think if the inhabitants of Sydenham really consider this matter, they will answer differently.— l am, &c, OBSERVER. May 23. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940526.2.53.2&srpos=21&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8804, 26 May 1894, Page 10 SYDENHAM PARK. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — I have anxiously waited to note what answer would be given to your correspondent, Jno. W. Smith, re a petition for a public meeting to consider the cycling track to be laid down in Sydenham Park. The Mayor and Councillors, with one exception, have treated the ratepayers with scant courtesy, and that after taking out £2000 of the ratepayers' money without even saying "by your leave." The purchase of the Show Grounds has been done contrary to their own ideas of what should be. At first they stood as one, and would have nothing to do with the overtures of the Government unless special privileges were granted. Since then they have changed front, with one exception, and taken over the grounds, with a promise from the Government of getting a special Act passed on behalf of Sydenham Park. That promise seems now to be placed in a doubtful position, seeing the Council are going to run an opposition track to Lancaster Park. One may consider such Act doomed, and Sydenham Park be less the borough's own than her usual reserves. As a recreation reserve it is questionable if a grand stand can be erected upon it or several acres be fenced off for a fixed track, to the exclusion of ratepayers, unless paying for use of same. The track would not be worth much anyhow if Tom, Bill, Jack, and Harry were allowed to use the track upon all occasions. It is needless here to comment upon what the Lancaster Park Directors may do. As I have hinted they will do their best to keep the sports down their tray. Again, there has been some talk about overdrafts, and with other ratepayers I am anxious to ascertain whether the Council can legitimately borrow money to pay away the same without consulting the ratepayers' wish. Altogether it does appear as if the Council does not care to have too close an investigation. They spurned the idea of a public meeting when proposed by Councillor Muffett before they had committed themselves in the matter, and as Councillor Clifford said the other night "although he thought they ought to go on with the cycling track now, they certainly ought to have had a public meeting of ratepayers before paying away £2000." Their last act has been to treat a petition of ratepayers with contempt and innuendos of misrepresentations. They have shown themselves, however, in true colour as not being very conservative of the ratepayers' money, and now going to run us into further expenditure upon the Sydenham Park which may not be remunerative, and that upon a property they do not hold the title of and cannot whilst in present status. I draw attention, sir, to this trusting that some influential ratepayer will hire a hall and call a public meeting of the ratepayers of Sydenham to consider whether the Council's determination is a wise one or I otherwise. Probably some one might suggest a wiser course that would prove more advantageous to the borough than any cycling track.— l am, &c, RATEPAYER. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940607.2.41&srpos=6&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4970, 7 June 1894, Page 3 Asphalt Cycling Track.— lt is understood, that the Canterbury Athletic and Sports. Ground Company intend proceeding with the work of laying the asphalt cycling track at Lancaster Park at an early date. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940620.2.51&srpos=7&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 4981, 20 June 1894, Page 3 Cycling.— A meeting of representatives from the Pioneer Bicycle Club and Christchurch Cycling Club was held last evening ; present— Mr Hayward (in the chair) and Messrs Eyre, Dunsford, Waller, Myhre, Rankin (Pioneer), Boyd, Wilson, Williams and Rainbow (Christchurch). After discussion it was resolved "That as the Lancaster Park Company has decided to lay down an asphalt cycling track at Lancaster Park, the cycling clubs withdraw their support from the Sydenham Borough Council." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940731.2.5&srpos=61&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5014, 31 July 1894, Page 1 The Sydenham Borough Council held its fortnightly meeting last evening...... The Mayor reported that the Sydenham Park had been gazetted a public reserve vested in the Council...... SYDENHAM PARK. On the motion of Councillor Muffett, seconded by Councillor Clifford, it was resolved to ask the members for Christchurch to remind the Minister of Lands of his promise in regard to the number of days on which the Council could charge for admission to the Sydenham Park. The meeting then closed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940814.2.36&srpos=244&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8871, 14 August 1894, Page 6 The Sydenham Borough Council met at 7 p.m. yesterday. Present— The Mayor, Crs Brown, Taylor, Johnson, Forrester, Rudd, Jones, Hadfield, Muffett, Samuels, Langdown, and Clifford. A deputation, consisting of the Revs. W. G. Parsonson, A. Scott, and others, interviewed the Council and presented a largely signed petition, which they supported, asking the Council to reject any overtures from trotting clubs for the use of Sydenham Park. After being heard the deputation withdrew. Cr Taylor moved that the petition be received and the prayer granted. Cr Rudd seconded the motion. Cr Taylor spoke at length in support of the recreation park being shut against the introduction of trotting. He suggested that before the Council did anything the matter should be placed before the ratepayers. Cr Jones moved as an amendment— "That the petition be received." Cr Muffett seconded the amendment, which was carried...... The following amendment was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman:— "That the Park Committee be empowered to expend the sum of £60 on the drainage of the recreation ground to the best advantage." The division was— Ayes, Crs. Clifford, Muffett, Johnson, Taylor, Brown, and the Mayor; noes, Crs. Langdown, Samuels, Hadfield, Jones, Rudd and Forrester...... The Mayor announced the report of the Recreation Ground Committee. Cr Muffett moved the Council into Committee. Objection was taken to the Council going into Committee. The Mayor proceeded to read the report: — "Your Committee has considered the offer of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club— " He might say, before he went further that there was a request that the matter at present should be kept within the Council, as its publication might affect the Club. Cr Taylor objected to this, and said he should take opportunity to give it all the publicity he could. [Earlier in the evening, in speaking upon the request of the deputation, he read a document which purported to be a report from the Recreation Ground Committee, and which recommended that an offer of £200 a year for four days' use per year of the Sydenham Park by the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club should be accepted.] The Mayor said the report was laid on the table. Cr Forrester asked if the report had been read. The Mayor said it was taken as read. Cr Forrester moved— "That the question be now put." Cr. Langdown seconded the motion. While the Mayor and Council were engaged in looking up Standing Orders the clock struck ten and put an end to further business. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940821.2.10.1&srpos=245&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8877, 21 August 1894, Page 3 SYDENHAM. A special meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last night to consider the following report from the Recreation Ground Committee:-- "Your Committee has considered an offer from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club to rent Sydenham Park four days in each year for trotting meetings, and recommends that subject to the Club paying rent in advance to the extent of £200, to be applied in forming a track and erecting grand stand, that the Club's conditions re the number of days and rent be accepted, the conditions re training on the track to he hereafter arranged by the Council." The question occupied nearly an hour's discussion, after which the report was carried by 8 votes to 4— Ayes, Crs Langdown, Samuels, Clifford, Muffett, Jones, Forrester, Johnston, and the Mayor; noes, Crs Hadfield, Rudd, Taylor, and Brown. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940822.2.12&srpos=69&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5035, 22 August 1894, Page 2 The question is fairly asked: "Why should a trotting track be formed in the Sydenham Park, when there exist at the present moment tracks at Lancaster Park, the show grounds and at the racecourse? It is hinted that the starting of a new track is being promoted for the purpose of forcing the proprietors of other track to grant certain concessions, and it would be as well if some explanation were forthcoming on this head. The people of Sydenham are more than likely to succeed in their opposition to the creation of a trotting track in their park, even though the Borough Council has been in part committed to the scheme. The park is a very small one, and the borough itself is but poorly provided with open spaces, so that from every point of view it is inadvisable to force the burgesses into a position which is distasteful to the vast majority of the ratepayers. The race-track, it is safe to say, would be used on all popular holidays, and the people of Sydenham would therefore be deprived of the use of their park on the very days when it would be most useful to them for gatherings of a public nature. Every sympathy is felt for those who are opposing the granting of the use of the park as a racecourse, and every assistance will undoubtedly be given to those who intend to oppose this very improper movement to deprive the people of the borough of one of their greatest rights and privileges. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18940825.2.25&srpos=72&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-1- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5038, 25 August 1894, Page 4 The opponents of the leasing to the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club of the Sydenham Park will learn with pleasure that the movement to deprive the people of the use of their reserve has received a very severe check. The Borough Council has certainly adopted a report of a sub-committee, recommending the leasing of the Park, but there the matter will be left until after the election of councillors, when it will be found that the minority has been turned into a majority, and that a very improper proposal is to be rejected. As has already been pointed out in this column, there are numerous race tracks around the city, and there is no necessity for a new one ; but that the creation of a new track should entail the deprivation of the people of Sydenham of the use of their only open space is nothing short of scandalous. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18940828.2.85&srpos=247&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22recreation+ground%22+sydenham-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8883, 28 August 1894, Page 6 The Sydenham Borough Council held its fortnightly meeting last evening. Present— The Mayor, and Councillors Langdown, Brown, Taylor, Forrester, Rudd, Hadfield, Jones, Muffett, Clifford and Samuels. An apology for absence was received from Cr. Johnson...... Mr V. Harris, Chairman of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club, wrote, stating that the Club was quite willing to advance £100 towards the improvements required at Sydenham Park, and if the other £100 was required no doubt the Club would be able to make satisfactory arrangements. Mr J. A. Connell, Secretary of the Club, wrote thanking the Council for its favourable conditions, and stating that the Club had agreed to allow the question of training to remain in abeyance. The Club trusted that the necessary agreement would be completed at once, as the matter was urgent, owing to the Club having received entries for a £250 race to be run early in November. Cr Taylor asked whether the Recreation Ground Committee had made any proposals to the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club in regard to training. The Mayor replied that the Committee had not yet considered the matter. Cr Clifford said he understood that the Committee would not entertain any proposal for training. In reply to Cr Taylor, the Mayor said he could not say whether the Trotting Club would accept the Council's conditions without the right of training. A deputation of about twenty residents waited on the Council, urging it not to allow the Park to be used for trotting purposes. A petition containing about 800 signatures requesting the Council to decline any proposal from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club, for the use of Sydenham Park, was laid on the table. Cr Taylor said the request of the petitioners had his hearty support. Cr Forrester had changed his mind on the subject, but was not ashamed to say so. He moved— " That the letters from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club be received, and that no further action be taken in the matter." Councillor Taylor seconded the motion, which was spoken to by Councillors Rudd, Muffett, Langdown, Clifford, Hadfield, Jones and the Mayor. The motion was carried by six votes to five. Ayes— The Mayor, Councillors Forrester, Taylor, Brown, Rudd, Hadfield; Noes-Councillors Langdown, Samuels, Muffett, Clifford, and Jones...... The report of the Recreation Ground Committee stated that the Committee had authorised the employment of fifteen men to drain and level Sydenham Park, in connection with an arrangement made by the Mayor with the Charitable Aid Board for the relief of the unemployed. The Committee could not see its way at present to set apart any particular piece of ground in the Park for a local Cricket Club as requested in the letter of the Rev. E. A. Scott. The Committee recommended that two of the gates on Brougham street should be removed; that the entrance gates at the north-east corner should be renovated; that plans should be prepared for a grand stand, dressing-rooms and lavatory at a cost not to exceed £200 and that a track, 33ft wide, should be formed, of such length as the Committee might decide. The report was adopted. The meeting then closed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18941122.2.3.5&srpos=102&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 101-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8957, 22 November 1894, Page 1 Amusements. WAIRARAPA RELIEF FUND. GRAND OUTDOOR DEMONSTRATION AND FETE. THURSDAY, NOV. 29, 1894. AT THE PUBLIC PARK, SYDENHAM. ADMISSION, INCLUDING TRAM FARE TO PARK, ONE SHILLING. PROGRAMME: PROCESSION to START from the MARKET PLACE at Half-past One o'clock in the following order:- ATALANTA CYCLING CLUB. BAND. MEMBERS OF THE NEW ZEALAND CYCLISTS' ALLIANCE AND UNION. BAND. MEMBERS OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. BAND. MEMBERS OF THE FIRE BRIGADES. BAND. MEMBERS OF LOCAL BODIES. MARSHALS--MESSRS R. C. BISHOP, W. HARRIS AND E. SMITH. ------ORDER OF COMPETITIONS, &C. OPENING C3REMONY by HIS WORSHIP the MAYOR of SYDENHAM. ------I— One Mile Bicycle Handicap 2— One Hundred Yards Flat Handicap (open) 3— Three Miles Bicycle Handicap 4---Girls' Race, 100 yards, open to present scholars in the Fifth Standard; for a prize given by the Committee Boys' Race. 150 yards, open to present scholars in the Fifth Standard 1 for a prize given by the Committee 6— Two Hundred and Twenty Yards Flat Handicap (amateurs) 7— Half Mile Bicycle Handicap 8---One Hundred Yards Fiat Race, for Fireman, handicap 9— One Mile Bicycle Handicap 10— Girls' Race, 150 yards, open to present scholars in the Sixth "Standard; for a prize given by Mr W. R. Mitchell 11— Boys' Race, 150 yards, open to present scholars in tHe Sixth Standard; for a prize given by Mr W. R. Mitchell 12— Two Hundred Yards, for boys under sixteen years 13— One Hundred and Fifty Yards Bandsmen's Race, handicap 14— Half Mile Bicycle Handicap 15— One Hundred and Twenty Yards Hurdle Handicap (amateurs) 16— Four Hundred and Forty. Yards Flat Handicap (open) 17— One Hundred Yards Friendly Societies' Handicap 18— Three Mile Bicycle Handicap 19— Seventy-five Yards Sack Race 20— Seventy-five Yards Committ.e Race, handicap. Prizes— Certificates, for First, Second and Third. The Bicycle Races will be run under the Rules of the New Zealand Cycling Alliance and the New Zealand Cyclists Union. Nos 1, 7 and 18 are open to members of the N.Z.C.A.. Nos 3, 9 and 44 are open to members of the N.Z.C.U. Nos. 6 and 15 are open to bona fide amateurs, and will be run under the Rules of the NZ.A.A.A. All entries FREE. Entries for handicap events close with the Secretary of the Sports Committee on MONDAY, 26th instant, at 9 o'clock p.m. J. C. CUSACK. Secretary Sports Committee, Care of Davies and Lamb, Colombo street...... WAIRARAPA FETE. THE GENERAL EXECUTIVE, and PROGRAMME COMMITTEE will meet on SATURDAY. November 24th inst., at 7.30 p.m., at the City Council Office. Applications for Roundabouts, Swings, or other Amusements, and for Sale of all Articles except, fruit and confectionery on the Sydenham Park, on 29th inst. will be received by the Secretary General Committee, City Council Office, up to noon on Saturday,24th inst. THOS GAPES, Mayor. City Council Office, 21st November, 1894. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18941130.2.33&srpos=1&e=------10-CHP-1---- 2opening+of+sydenham+park-- Press, Volume LI, Issue 8964, 30 November 1894, Page 5 THE WAIRARAPA DEMONSTRATION. OPENING OF SYDENHAM PARK. The outdoor demonstration in aid of the funds for the relief of sufferers of the recent wreck of the S.S. Wairarapa was held yesterday at the Sydenham Park. The weather was perfect for the occasion, but on the grounds the dust was rather unpleasant. The procession was one of the chief features of the demonstration. It was formed in the Market square and marched down Colombo street to the park, a large crowd of spectators lining the footpaths to see it pass. The marshals were Messrs R. C. Bishop and E. Smith. The order of the procession was as follows:- Cyclists. Sydenham Band. Oddfellows. Hibernians. Garrison Rand. Foresters. Druids. Engineers' Band. Fire Brigades. Stanmore Band. Local Bodies. St Albans Drum and Fife Band. Other Bodies. There was a very large gathering of people at the Park, both young and old having turned out in full force. On arrival of the procession the formal ceremony of opening the Park to the public took place. The Mayor and Councillors of Sydenham, the Mayor of Christchurch, and several members of the Wairarapa Relief Fund Committee assembled on a platform erected for the occasion. Cr Forrester said that before proceeding with the formal ceremony of opening the Sydenham Park, he had to say that he had been honoured by the members of the Borough Council with the carrying out of a very pleasant task. It was a pleasant task to him, considering that he had for years worked with his Worship the Mayor. The task he had been asked to perform was the presenting of an address to the Mayor, expressive of the Council's satisfaction with the manner in which he had carried out his duties during the time he had been in the chair, and more especially in acquiring that magnificent park for Sydenham. (Applause.) He then read the address, which was as follows :--"To William Jacques, Esq., Mayor of Sydenham— Your Worship— As members of the Council and on behalf of the burgesses of Sydenham, we desire to present you with this address as a memento of the opening of the Sydenham Park. In doing so we place on record our appreciation of the indefatigable efforts that have secured for the borough a recreation ground that must conduce to the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants, and gratefully recognise that to your zeal and fidelity to the Council's instructions we are largely indebted for the Park. We trust that yourself, Mrs Jacques and family, may for many years remain amongst us in health and happiness also that you may realise to the full your anticipation of the usefulness and advantage to Sydenham of the Park which you this day open." Three hearty cheers were given for his Worship and one for Mrs Jacques. The Mayor said that the very kindly feelings that had been expressed towards himself and his family were not what he had expected for carrying out the duties devolving upon him. There were one or two things he wished to allude to which were of vital importance to the borough and its inhabitants. Some years ago Sydenham was looked upon throughout New Zealand as a most undesirable spot for residence, its death rate being something like 16 per 1000. The Council had borrowed £25,000 for carrying out Works to better the sanitary condition of the borough, and according to the returns for last year they found that Sydenham, with its 10,583 inhabitants, the fifth largest centre of the colony, was the best of the five as regarded the health of its inhabitants. He alluded to the difficulties that had been in the way of acquiring that piece of land, and pointed out that the Council saw that if it was cut up a very important factor In tbe healthiness of the borough would be done away with. They were determined, therefore, to acquire it, and appealed successfully to the Government for assistance. In conclusion, he said he would value the address, not for its intrinsic value but for the kindly feelings that had been expressed, and which he could not find words to reply to. He then declared the park open to the people of Sydenham for all time. (Applause.) The address was tastefully illuminated by Mr Donald McLennan, of Sydenham. It is surmounted by the Union Jack, Southern Cross, and flags under which reclines the Council's motto "Deeds not Words" on a bed of toi-toi. The lettering is well-illuminated, and the whole is nicely brought together by ferns, creepers, and sprigs of flowers. The address is placed in an inlaid frame of New Zealand woods comprised of fifteen varieties and 164 pieces. The frame was artistically designed and executed by Mr R. Norrie, of Colombo street, Sydenham. An effort was then made to carry out the programme of sports, but as no arrangements were made for preventing the spectators from crowding upon the running track the chief events, the bicycle races, had to be abandoned. Two of them were run off, but in the second three riders met with accidents through children running across the track, and the cyclists decided not to start again. Among those who rendered good service in carrying out the sports programme were Messrs F. T. Pannell, W. E. Thompson and F. Cooper, Judges ; R. L. Adams and J. C. Cusack, Starters; and G. R. Hart, Entry Secretary. In addition to the sports there were attractions in the way of an Aunt Sally and swing boats, and M. J. Robinson ran a refreshment booth. The following are the results of the various events:— One Mile Bicycle Handicap (Under New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance rules)- Wellington, 190 yds, 1; S. D. Hill, 140yds, 2 ; C. H. Edmondson, 220 yds, 3. Eight started. Hill ran to the front two hundred yards from home and looked like winning, but Wellington came again in the straight and snatched a half-wheel victory, Edmundson a fair third. 100 Yards Flat Handicap (open)-First heat— P. D. Mansell, 3yds, 1; J. Gair, 4yds. 2; W. Petrie, 5yds, 3. Five started, .Second heat— T. A. Petrie, 5yds, 1 ; T. Tarpey, 6yds, 2; T. Atkinson, 6yds, 3. Final heat— T. Tarpey 1, C. J. Collins 2, W. Petrie 3. The men only trotted in, not caring to extend themselves on the hard ground. Three-mile Bicycle Handicap (under New Zealand Cyclists' Union rules) — J. Boyd, scr, 1; A. R. Barker, scr, 2; C. R. Wilson, scr, 3. Twelve started. In the second lap a little girl running across the track caused M. Gaffney to come down heavily, bringing G. Henwood with him, the former getting his face badly cut. In the same lap E. Rainbow was brought down in a similar way by a little boy. The race was practically between the scratch men, all the others having dropped out. A good finish resulted in favour of Boyd by half a length, Wilson and Soanes third and fourth, close up. Time, 8min 40sec. Girls' Race, 100 yards, open to fifth standard scholars— Florrie Hooper (Sydenham) 1, Janet White (Sydenham) 2. Boys' Race, 150 yards, open to fifth standard scholars— J. H Bontkes (Sydenham) 1. 220 Yards Flat Handicap, amateurs— W. Craig, 14yds, 1; C. E. Cholmondeley, 8yds, 2; S. Perkins, 14yds, 3. Six started. Won by two yards. 100 Yards Handicap, for Firemen— Branchman J. Miller, scr, 1; Foreman McMillan, 3yds, 2; Fireman W. Sutton, 4yds, 3. Girls' Race, 150 yards (open to sixth standard scholars)— Bella Cunningham, Sydenham, 1; Jennie Whitta, West Christchurch 2. Boys' Race, 200 yards (open to sixth standard scholars)— R. Treleaven, Normal. 1; H. Denby, East Christchurch, 2. Bandsmen Handicap Race, 150 yards— W. McClure, Stanmore, 1; F. Dunn, Stanmore, 2: J. Hopkins, Stanmore, 3. 440 Yards Flat Handicap (open)— J. Matson, 19yds, 1; C. J. Collins, 10yds, 2; T. A. Petrie, 16yds, 3. 120 Yards (amateurs.)— J. Perkins, 5yds, I; F. S. Harley, scr, 2; E. J. Cholmondeley, 3yds, 3. Five, started. 100 Yards Friendly Societies Handicap— W. Petrie, 1; F. Chisnall, 2; T. Atkinson, 3. Boy's Race (under 16)— A. J. Barrett, West Christchurch, 1; W. Chisnall, St. Albans, 2; J. McNichol, 3. 75 Yards Committee Race — G. H. Lethaby, scr, 1; Geo. Milne, scr, 2; F. T. Pannell, scr, 3. Sack Race — A. J. Barrett, West Christchurch, 1; B. Lancaster, Sydenham, 2; M. Wheeler, 3. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18941130.2.2&e=------10- PubMetaTS-51-byDA---2%2522sydenham+park%2522-- Star , Issue 5120, 30 November 1894, Page 1 WAIRARAPA RELIEF FUND. FETE AT SYDENHAM PARK, The out-door fete organised for the of the Wairarapa Relief Fund took place yesterday afternoon at Sydenham, and advantage was taken of the occasion to open the park recently acquired the borough. When the procession was formed up in Market Square, the streets were lined with people. About two o'clock it moved off headed by about twenty-five members of the Pioneer, Christchurch and Porowhiti Cycling Clubs and in the following order:- Combined Garrison, Engineers and Sydenham Bands; representatives of the City, Benevolent, Perseverance, Addington, Phillipstown, Volunteer and Leithfield Lodges of Oddfellows of the M.U. ; representatives of the Court Star of Canterbury, and Papanui Courts, A.O.F. ; representatives from the pioneer, Anchor, Perseverance, St Albans, Hope of Sydenham, Mistletoe and Hope o' Amberley Lodges of Druids; the Fire Brigade, with all its working plant; the Stanmore Band; members of local bodies ; the St Albans Drum, and Fife Sand, with Sequah's Chariot bringing up the rear. On arrival at the park the Mayor of Sydenham, the Borough Councillors, the Mayor of Christchurch and several members of the Relief Fund Committee assembled on a platform which had been erected for the occasion. Councillor Forrester said that he had been asked to perform the pleasing task of presenting an address to his Worship the Mayor, expressing the Sydenham Council's appreciation of the manner ia which he had carried out his duties during the time he had been in the chair, especially with regard to the acquiring of the park for Sydenham. The address was as follows:- "To William Jacques, Esq., Mayor of Sydenham. Your Worship,— As members of Council and on behalf of the burgesses of Sydenham, we desire to present you with this address as a memento of the opening of the Sydenham Part. In doing so we place on record our appreciation of the indefatigable efforts that have secured for the borough a recreation ground that must conduce to the health and well-being of its inhabitants, and gratefully recognise that to your zeal and fidelity to the Council's instructions we are largely indebted for the park.We trust that yourself, Mrs Jacques and family may for many years remain amongst us in health and happiness; also that you may realise to the full your anticipation of the usefulness and advantage to Sydenham of the park which you this day open." Three cheers were given for the Mayor, and one for Mm Jacques. The Mayor suitably responded. He said that some years ago Sydenham had been looked On as a most undesirable place to live in, on account of the high death rate. The Council had borrowed for improving the sanitary condition of the borough, and, according to the returns for last year, the borough was the best of the five largest centres of population in the colony, as regarded the healthiness of the inhabitants. The Council had recognised that if the land forming the park were cut up, one of the most important factors in the health of the borough would be sacrificed. The Council had therefore determined to acquire it, and had done aso with the assistance of the Government. He then declared the park open. THE SPORTS. The committee had drawn up an excellent programme of sports, but owing to the crowd persistently encroaching on the running and cycling track, the, competitors, especially in the cycling events, were interfered with. ln the Three-mile Open Bicycle Handicap, several of the competitors had very bad falls owing to children continually running across the track. M. Gaffney and G. Henwood were badly cut and bruised about the face, arms and legs, and alter this event the cyclists, both amateur and cash riders, decided not to take part in the other bicycle races on the programme. The members of the General Committee, firemen and four constables and others did all in their power to keep the crowd off the track, but their efforts were of no avail, and the judges in some of the events had great difficulty in placing the winner. The officials, especially Mr J. C. Cusack, who acted as starter and honorary secretary, Mr F. Arenas, who hospitably entertained the committee, officials, bandsmen and others, the judges and members of the executive deserve great credit for the manner in which they worked to make the affair a success. Certificates will be given to the first, second and third in each event. The following are details of the various events. One-mile Bicycle Handicap (under New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance rules)— S. Wellington 190 yds, 1; S. D. Hill 140 yds, 2; J. H. Edmondson 220 yds, 3. H. J. Pither scr, F. J. Ritchie 60yds, J. B. Norris 70yds, C. Hensley 180 yds and A. C. Napier 200 yds also started. Won by two feet, two yards between second and third. Time--2 min 32 sec. 100 yds Flat Handicap (open)— T; Tarpey 6yds; 1; C. J. Collins 4 yds 2; W. Petrie 5 yds 3. Won by half a yard. Three-mile Bicycle Handicap (under New Zealand Cyclists' Union rules)— J. Boyd scr, 1; A. R. Barker scr, 2; C. R. Wilson scr,3. H. A. Soanes scr, E. J. Land 100 yds, E. Rainbow 100 yds, G. H. Lethaby 150 yds, E. I. Lily 150 yds, J. R. Merriman 290yds, G. Henwood 300 yds, F. Chaney 300 yds and M. Gaffney 320 yds also started. In the second lap a little girl ran across the track and brought down Gaffney, while Henwood, who was riding just behind Gaffney, also fell. Gaffney was badly cut about the head and face, and had to be carried off tbe track; Henwood also received several bruises and cuts. Boyd won by a yard and a half, and Barker was a similar distance in front of. Wilson ; Soanes close up. Time— 8 min 40 sec. Boys' Race, 150 yds (open to present scholars in the Fifth Standard)— John Henry Boutkes (Sydenham) 1, Leonard Thomas (Waltham) 2, Walter Chisnall (St Albans) 3. 220 yds Flat Handicap (amateur)— W. Craig 14yds, 1 C. E. Cholmondeley8 yds, 2; J. Perkins 14yds, 3. F. S. Harley scr, E. A. Robinson scr and H. M'Clealand 17yds also started. Won by two yards ; one yard between second and third. 100 yds Firemen's Handicap— Branchman J. Millar scr, 1; Foreaman R. M'Millan 3yds, 2; Fireman W. Sutton 4yds, 3. Six started. Won by two yards. Girls' Race, 150 yds (open to present scholars in the Sixth Standard)— Bella Cunningham (Sydenham) 1, Jennie Whitta (West Christchurch) 2, Florence Skinner (Waltham) 3. About twenty started. Boys' Race, 150yds (open to present scholars in the Sixth Standard)-Reginald Treleayen (Normal) 1, Henry Denby (East Christchurch) 2, Sydney Thompson (Addington) 3. About thirty started. 150yds Bandsmen's Race— W. M'Clure (Stanmore) 1, F. Dunn (Stanmore) 2, W. Hern (Garrison) 3. Eight Started, 120 yds Flat Handicap (amateur) J. Perkins 6yds, 1; F. S. Harley scr, 2; C.E. Cholmondeley 3yds, 2. E. A. Robinson scr and H. M'Clelland Syds also started. Won by a yard. 440 yds Open Handicap--J. Watson 21yds, 1 ; C. J. Collins 10yds, 2 ; T. A. Petrie 10yds. 3. Eight started. Won by a yard; half a yard between second and third. Friendly Societies Handicap--W. Petrie 1, F. Chisnall 2, T. Atkinson 3. Committee Race, 75 yds handicap--G. H. Lethaby scr, 1; G. Milne scr, 2; F. T. Pannell scr, 3. Seven started. Won by half a yard; a yard between second and third. Boys' Race under sixteen— A. J. Barrett (West Christchurch) 1, W. Chisnall (St Albans) 2, J. M'Nicoll 3. About twenty-five started. Boys' Sack Race, 75yds— A. J. Barrett 1, B. Lancaster 2, M. Wheeler 3. Girls' Race, 100 yds, open to present scholars in the Fifth Standard--Florrie Hooper (Sydenham) 1, Jeannette White (Sydenham) 2.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950409.2.13&srpos=20&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5229, 9 April 1895, Page 2 BOROUGH COUNCILS ...SYDENHAM A deputation from the Sydenham Cricket Club waited on the Council with reference to a proposed cricket ground at Sydenham Park. The deputation wished the Council to assist the Club to lay out the ground. Councillor Caygill moved "That having heard the deputation from the Sydenham Cricket Club, this Council grants permission to the Club to use the Sydenham Park as a cricket ground, and to lay out and keep in order a portion of it, and will contribute one-half of any money required provided the total liability of the Council shall not exceed £20." Councillor M'Millan seconded the motion, and after discussion the matter was held over till next meeting. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950424.2.46&srpos=24&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5241, 24 April 1895, Page 4 Consideration of Councillor Caygill's motion in reference to granting the Sydenham Cricket Club the use of a portion of Sydenham Park as a cricket ground was resumed. The motion was agreed to, with the exception of the latter portion in reference to the Council contributing £20 towards the coat of preparing the ground, which was held over until after the estimates were considered. Permission was granted to the Canterbury Rugby Union to use the east side of Sydenham Park for football matches from April 27 to the end of August. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18950507.2.37&srpos=27&e=--1894---1895--100--1- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+football+club%22-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9097, 7 May 1895, Page 6 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening, when there were present— The Mayor (Mr J.Brown), and Crs. McMillan, McLennan, Clifford, Muffett, Hadfield, Smith, Caygill, Rudd, Forrester, Biltcliff and Cutler...... The Hon. Secretary of the Sydenham Football Club asked for permission to use the Park for practise on moonlight nights. The letter was received, Crs. McMillan and Caygill being against the decision. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18950508.2.15&srpos=25&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9098, 8 May 1895, Page 3 A general meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union was held last night at the Clarendon Hotel...... A letter was read from the Sydenham Cricket Club stating that the Sydenham Park was being improved for a cricket ground, and asking if the Union could give any practical support towards defraying the cost. Consideration was deferred for a time. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950521.2.19&srpos=2&e=--1894---1895--100--1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+football+club%22+%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5264, 21 May 1895, Page 2 Sydenham Borough Council A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening j present The Mayor (Mr J. Brown), Councillors M'Millan, M'Lennan, Hadfield, Rudd, Forrester, Billcliff, Cutler, Muffett, Caygill and Clifford. Leave of absence was granted to Councillors Smith and Lightbody The Sydenham Football Club applied for the use of Sydenham Park for practice from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. twice a week. Councillor M'Millan moved and Councillor Caygill seconded— " That the request be granted." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950531.2.11.3&srpos=29&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5272, 31 May 1895, Page 1 Sydenham Cricket Club.— A meeting of members of this club was held at the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday evening. It was reported that the contract for forming the ground was nearly completed. Subscriptions to the amount of over £21 had been promised, and the sum of £17 14s had already been collected. Fifty-five members had been enrolled. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950612.2.7&srpos=30&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5282, 12 June 1895, Page 1 Canterbury Rugby Union ...Letters were read from the Sydenham Football Club and Sydenham Cricket Club, asking the Union to give a donation towards improving a portion of Sydenham Park for cricket and football purposes. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Caff, Garrard and Asquith, was appointed to consider the matter and report. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950618.2.13&srpos=31&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5286, 18 June 1895, Page 1 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening...... The Works Committee...... recommended that the claim of the Sydenham Cricket Club for half the cost of preparing the cricket ground in Sydenham Park should be paid... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950902.2.3.2&srpos=34&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5352, 2 September 1895, Page 1 SYDENHAM CLUB The annual meeting of the Sydenham Cricket Club was held on Saturday night at the Sydenham Chambers. Mr J. A. Caygill presided, and there was a good attendance of members. The annual report congratulated the club on the promising prospect for the ensuing season. The club was also congratulated upon the amalgamation effected with the Addington Cricket Club, which, besides making a substantial increase in the membership, would enable the club to enter the Senior Cup contest, an advantage that could hardly be overestimated. The club could also enter for each of the other cup contests. The report was adopted. The meeting then proceeded with the revision of the rules. It was decided that the name of the club should be the Sydenham and Addington United Cricket Club, and the colours old gold and scarlet (the colours of the late Addington Cricket Club). The officers were elected as under. Patron, the Mayor of Sydenham (Mr J. Brown) president, Mr J. Hopper captain, Mr J. A. Caygill; secretary, Mr B. Halley assistant secretary, Mr J. L. Freeman treasurer, Mr T. Jacobs; auditors, Messrs J.Hadfield and O. Caygill; delegates to Cricket Club Association, Messrs J. A. Caygill and E. Halley; delegate to Junior Cup Committee, Mr H. Goodman; general committee; Messrs T. M'Gallan, C. Lafferty, J. Wright, S. M'Murray, 0. Caygill, M. Robinson, A. J. Lawrence, T. Kowe, W. B. Stephens, J. H. Jones and H. Goodman.. The committee was instructed to arrange for an entertainment to commemorate the opening of the Sydenham Park as a cricket ground. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950904.2.63&srpos=35&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5354, 4 September 1895, Page 4 CANTERBURY RUGBY UNION ...It was resolved to give the proceeds of the match Southern v. Linwood, at Lancaster Park on Saturday next, to the Sydenham Cricket Club, providing the club allows the Union to use the cricket ground at Sydenham Park next season... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18950917.2.24&srpos=37&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5365, 17 September 1895, Page 3 Sydenham Football Club ...it was decided, that a donation of £2 2s be given to the funds of the Sydenham Cricket Club to assist in defraying the expense of laying out the ground http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18950924.2.34&srpos=235&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9219, 24 September 1895, Page 5 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening. Present— The Mayor, and Crs Cutler, Rudd, Caygill, Hadfield, Biltcliffe, McLennan, Clifford, Muffet, Hertzell, Large, and Manhire. An apology for absence was received from Cr MacMillan. The Works and Reserves Committee recommended that Mr Denton Holdgate should be appointed caretaker of the Sydenham Park at a salary of £2 2s a week with the use of the cottage in the Park..... Cr Caygill moved, Cr Large seconded, and it was carried— " That the Works Committee be requested to proceed with the work of providing a water supply for the Sydenham Park." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951008.2.19&srpos=239&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5382, 8 October 1895, Page 2 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening present— The Mayor (Mr J. Brown), Councillors M'Lennan, Clifford, Muffett, Caygill, Rudd, Billcliff, Cutler, Hertzell, Manhire, Large and Hadfield. An apology was received for the absence of Councillor M'Millan...... The Works Committee reported that instructions had been given for twelve seats to be placed under the trees in Sydenham Park. The committee proposed to sink a two-inch artesian well to the second stratum to provide a water-supply for the park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951016.2.2&srpos=243&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5389, 16 October 1895, Page 1 POLITICAL NOTES...... NEW BILLS. There are three clauses in the Reserve Disposal and Exchange Bill affecting Canterbury...... The next clause gives the Sydenham Borough Council power to charge for admission to Sydenham Park on not more than twenty days in any year not being Christmas Day, Good Friday or any Sunday..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18951018.2.19&srpos=245&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9240, 18 October 1895, Page 4 SYDENHAM PARK. It was with much surprise that we learned yesterday that a clause had been inserted by the House of Representatives in the Public Domains Bill recently sent to them by the Legislative Council allowing a charge for admission to be made to the park on twenty days in the year. At present there is power to charge on ten days in the year, which is ten days more than enough. But if a charge is to be made on twenty days in the year it simply means that the public of Sydenham will be excluded from the park on all the public holidays in the year, unless of course they choose to pay the admission fee. It is not right that public reserves intended for the use of the public should be closed to the poor at any time, especially at holiday time. One of the most important purposes for which public parks are granted to communities is to provide a free playground for the children, and a lounging place for those of all ages, and this purpose is very seriously interfered with if on all gala days an admission fee of one shilling is charged. If it could be shown that there was a strong desire on the part of the public of Sydenham that this curtailment of their privileges should take place, then it might be said that it was their business and other people ought not to interfere. We very much doubt, however, whether they desire anything of the kind, and it is highly objectionable that at the tail end of a session a clause like this should be slipped into a public Bill. We hope the Council will have the good sense to refuse to agree to such a clause. It seems to us that if such a clause can be inserted in a public Bill, at the close of a session more particularly, the Standing Orders about local Bills which are designed for the protection of the public might just as well be repealed. A special Bill, or a clause in a Bill, imposing a disability on the public of any particular locality, is clearly a local Bill within the definition of local Bills in the Standing Orders, and the intention to introduce it should be advertised before it is introduced, so that the people concerned may fully understand what is intended and may have ample opportunity of raising objections to the proposed measure. It may be said that the Borough Council of Sydenham have control of the park, and that they are promoting this clause, and that as they will have the administration of it when passed, and are at the same time representatives of the ratepayers no great harm can be done. It will, no doubt, be alleged, also, that the admission fees will be used in adding to the attractions of the park, but surely the admission fees will be taken from the pockets of the Sydenham people as directly as if the improvements were made out of the rates, the burden of which falls upon people in proportion to the amount of property they hold. We cannot admit that Borough Councils are exactly ideal bodies to whom should be implicitly entrusted the interests of the public in regard to public reserves. Borough Councils have a laudable desire to diminish the burden of the rates, and sometimes this desire leads them astray. We have had plenty of City Councillors in Christchurch, in the past, at all events, who would have been quite content to see a good deal of Hagley Park let on building leases, if thereby the rates could have been relieved. But we are quite sure that the vast majority of the inhabitants of Christchurch would have disapproved most strongly of such a sacrifice of the interests of future generations. We hope, therefore, that the Legislative Council will refuse to agree to this clause. The promoters can try again next session after giving the public ample notice of their intention, and if it be really the case that the people of Sydenham desire to be deprived of a free playground on twenty days in the year, then of course the responsibility will be theirs if Parliament gives them their wish. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951022.2.15&srpos=111&e=------10-PubMetaTS-51- byDA---2%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5394, 22 October 1895, Page 2 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening...... The Works and Reserves Committee recommended that the tender, of Messrs Taylor and Oakley to sink a deep well in Sydenham Park and to guarantee a flow of water at a height of 12ft from the ground for the sum of £32 10s should be accepted also that the tender of Messrs Gee Bros, to construct the buildings required at Sydenham Park for £23 5s should be accepted...... The Council considered and adopted a set of by-laws dealing with Sydenham Park and the Addington recreation reserve, after which the meeting closed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951031.2.50.2&srpos=254&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5402, 31 October 1895, Page 4 PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WEDNESDAY Oct. 30 EVENING SITTING. In Clause 31, giving power to the Sydenham Borough Council to charge for admission to Sydenham Park on twenty days in the year in place of ten days now allowed, The Hon J. E. Jenkinson moved that twelve days should be inserted. On a division being taken, the amendment was lost by 7 to 6. The Hon J. E. Jenkinson then moved to include Saturdays in free days, which was lost by 7 to 5. The Hon H. Feldwick moved to throw out the whole clause. The voting was equal 8 to 8. The Chairman gave his casting vote for retaining the clause. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18951127.2.67.7&srpos=263&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 201-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9274, 27 November 1895, Page 8 NOTICE is hereby given, that the BOROUGH COUNCIL OF SYDENHAM, at a Special Meeting held on the 4th day of November, 1895, did resolve to MAKE a SPECIAL ORDER to make BY-LAWS under the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1886, and the Public Reserves Act, 1881, Amendment Act. 1885, and adopted DRAFT BY-LAWS accordingly, to REGULATE the USE and MANAGEMENT of PUBLIC RESERVES in SYDENHAM, known respectively as "Sydenham Park" and "The Addington Recreation Reserve" (hereinafter called "Parks"), and to fix the times at which, and the restrictions under which the same may be used by the public, and to prevent and punish improper, indecent or disorderly conduct or the use of foul or abusive language, or any practices calculated to offend or annoy the public in the enjoyment and use of such Parks. The said By-laws to come into force on the 1st day of January, 1896. A copy of the said By-laws is.deposited at the offices of the Council, and is open tor public inspection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, excepting Saturdays, and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. till norm. Notice is hereby further given, that the Council will hold a SPECIAL MEETING at the Council Chamber, Bowen street, Sydenham, on WEDNESDAY, the 18th DAY of DECEMBER, 1895. at eight o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of confirming the aforesaid resolution. Dated at Sydenham this 12th day of November, 1895. CHAS. ALLISON, Town Clerk. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951203.2.17&srpos=38&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 5429, 3 December 1895, Page 2 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held yesterday evening...... The Works Committee reported that Messrs Taylor and Oakley had completed their contract for sinking an artesian well in Sydenham Park, and had obtained the good flow of 22ft 8in above the surface of the ground. The committee recommended that the Sydenham' Cricket Club should be given permission to fence off a yard in Sydenham Park as a stand for the horse used for keeping the ground in order. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18951203.2.10&srpos=39&e=------100--1-byDA--- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9279, 3 December 1895, Page 3 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening... The Works and Fire Prevention Committee reported that Messrs. Taylor and Oakley had completed their contract for sinking an artesian well in Sydenham Park, and had obtained the good flow of 22ft 8in above the surface of the ground. It was recommended that the Sydenham Cricket Club be given permission to fence off a small yard for their horse and other property and to connect a pipe with the new artesian. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951209.2.25&srpos=268&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5434, 9 December 1895, Page 3 Sydenham Band.— The Sydenham Brass Band will play the following programme of music in the Sydenham Park, under Bandmaster W. P. M'Lean, commencing at eight o'clock to-night, weather permitting: Quickstep, "Belphegor;" grand contest selection; "Halevy" valse, "Santiago;" selection, "Grand Duchess;" quadrille, "Roundabout;" selection, "Irish Airs;" quickstep, "Distant Greeting;" "National Anthem." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18951227.2.28&srpos=9&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22asphalt+cycling+track%22+sydenham-- Star , Issue 5447, 27 December 1895, Page 3 Lancaster Park.— The condition of the asphalt cycling track at Lancaster Park having been favourably commented upon, it is only right to say that it was laid by Mr Smart, of Sydenham, about three months ago, and top-dressed a week since. Mr Smart says that the track— which he has undertaken to keep in perfect order for twelve months— will be vastly improved as it becomes more consolidated. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18951219.2.8&srpos=272&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LII, Issue 9293, 19 December 1895, Page 2 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening when the Mayor and all the Councillors were present...... The Salvation Army were granted the use of the Sydenham Park for a picnic on New Year's Day. A special meeting of the Council was then held, when a resolution to make by-laws to regulate the management of Sydenham Park and Addington Recreation Reserve' was confirmed. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18960728.2.13&srpos=357&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-301- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5628, 28 July 1896, Page 1 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present The Mayor (Mr J. Brown), Councillors Cutler, M'Lennan, Clifford, Muffett, Hadfield, Large, Caygill, Rudd, Hertzel, Billcliff and Manhire. An apology was received for the absence of Councillor M'Millan...... The Finance Committee ..... was of opinion that it was desirable, if possible, to obtain an Act empowering the borough to borrow not less than £6000, at not more than 4 per cent, for the purpose of paying off the present overdraft at the bank incurred very largely by the purchase of Sydenham Park, completing the purchase of and improving the cemetery, obtaining water for flushing purposes, and opening up new streets, such loan to be for a period not exceeding twelve years. The committee therefore recommended that the Bill submitted to the Council should be laid before Parliament this session, and that Mr G. J. Smith should be asked to take charge of the measure. The report was adopted http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18960805.2.20.3&srpos=359&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9487, 5 August 1896, Page 3 THE PROPOSED LOAN FOR SYDENHAM. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — I have waited to see if any of the Sydenham ratepayers would throw any light upon the action of the Borough Council with regard to the proposed loan of £6000. Is it required and, if so, what for? I understand that £2000 is required to pay off the cost of Sydenham Park. With this, I quite agree, and I believe that a large majority of residents will raise no objection to such a public benefit, which, practically, has cost the borough lets than sixpence per head of the population. The next item is about £1600, cost of cemetery. It is unfortunate this investment was not made some years ago when the profits arising could have been used to assist the borough finance, £400 is required to pay for a road which has been made to connect Harper and Montreal streets, which is one of the greatest mistakes the Council has made.....Yours, &c, WATCH. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18961006.2.33&srpos=366&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9540, 6 October 1896, Page 5 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Council met last evening. Present The Mayor, and Crs. Cutler, Murray, Mc- Millan, Halley, Muffett, Hadfield, Large, Caygill, Lafferty, Hirtzell, Manhire, and Bell. Mr G. J. Smith wrote, stating that in accordance with the Council's letter he had arranged to have the Sydenham Loan Bill discharged from the Order Paper of the Legislative Council. Mr Smith's action was approved, and it was decided to thank him. The resignation of the caretaker of the Sydenham Park was accepted...... The Works Committee.....recommended that Mr Jones be appointed caretaker of the Sydenham Park on similar conditions as Mr Halgate was subject to last winter. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18961019.2.30&srpos=370&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-301- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5699, 19 October 1896, Page 3 Sydenham Band. The Sydenham Brass Band will play a programme of music in the Sydenham Park to-night, under the baton of Mr W. F. M'Lean. Programme:- Quick march, Kathleen Mavourneen; selection, Verdi; valse, May Bloom; selection, Scottish; lancers, Sailor Prince; Schottische, Just for Fun; quick march, Creswick. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18961215.2.22&srpos=380&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9600, 15 December 1896, Page 6 The Sydenham Borough Council met last evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr J. T. Brown), and Crs Murray, Macmillan, Halley, Muffett, Hadfield, Large, Caygill, Lafferty, Hirtzell, Manhire, Bell and Cutler...... and that permission be given to the Salvation Army to hold its picnic on New Year's Day in the Sydenham Park.

In the item below, Pound Rd is now Brougham Street. In a rather clandestine manner, the Sydenham Borough Council had taken steps to develop a new facility for disposal of night-soil (poo) on the edge of the Sydenham boundary by the South Belt (now Moorhouse Avenue) right next to the Christchurch City boundary. The saga doesn't directly involve Sydenham Park but a possible location mooted for the scheme had been Sydenham Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18961230.2.38.1&srpos=382&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9612, 30 December 1896, Page 6 THE SYDENHAM NUISANCE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS Sir,— As a ratepayer in the vicinity of the Sydenham experimental excretion station, I desire to protest against the use of one of the promenades or lungs of our city being utilised for the purpose of a depository for the excretions of 10,000 people, and regard this New Year's gift from the Sydenham councillors as an insult which must sever our hitherto amiable relationship. From a sciolist's point of view the scheme is perforated, and if expert evidence is adduced it will be dissected and doomed, whilst the perpetrators will receive that respect which they merit. I trust that the Railway Commissioners, Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and Dalgety and Company, whose premises adjoin the nuisance, will take the matter in hand and obtain an interdict to prevent the creation of what will make a respectable portion of the city a "by- word," and cause an exodus from the scene. On viewing the sewerage chart of the Christchurch Board, I find that Sydenham is intersected by its system from the Pound road to the South Town belt, Addington on the west and Waltham on the east, and that a connection for this south sea filth cistern could be obtained in an isolated position. Take, for instance, the Sydenham Park, with its broad area, here is a position where the Borough might erect this colossal perpetration, and without difficulty obtain a junction with the Pound road sewer, without menacing the health of the community and the respectability of the neighbourhood, if the expert knowledge of Messrs Danks, Large and Billcliff is reliable; also, being more central would not only save the Council £300 per year by way of contract, but also its reputation. It is with pleasure I acquiesce in the action of the ratepayers and residents of South Christchurch in petitioning their City Council and the Sanitary Committee to compel the Sydenham Council to stay its operations, and thus prevent a civil action being instituted by those property owners, who contend there will be a 50 per cent depreciation and a jeopardising of business relations. Again, if the Drainage Board did grant a permit for connection to the Sydenham Borough Council some time since, on the individual and not the collective basis, at a nucleus, irrespective of locality, then the Board has a right to reconsider the permit, which is so disadvantageous to the south of Christchurch and north of Sydenham residents. Finally, an appeal is made to the Sydenham ratepayers to have that courtesy to their Christchurch neighbours which this important matter demands, which, we believe, has not received their sanction, and even at the loss of the few pounds expended abandon the venture and relegate the clandestine Councillors who have pushed forward this gross procedure and scheme recklessly to a remoter realm.— Yours, &c, E. B. Willis. 44 Durham street, Christchurch. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18970105.2.11&srpos=383&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9617, 5 January 1897, Page 3 THE SYDENHAM SEWAGE SCHEME. MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL. A special meeting of the City Council was held last night, convened by his Worship the Mayor in response to the following requisition:— To his Worship the Mayor— We, the undersigned members of the Christchurch City Council, hereby respectfully request you to call a special meeting of the Council for Monday, January 4th 1897, at 7.30. Business— To discuss the proposed night soil scheme of the Sydenham Borough Council. Signed by Crs Gray, Sandstein, Stewart, Andrews and Smith. The following were present— His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Crs Gray, Stewart, Samuels, Woods, Andrews, Appleby, Stapleton, Kincaid, Sorensen, Mickle, Smith, Prudhoe. Apologies were received from Crs. Payling and Sandstein. There was also a goodly number of the public present. The Mayor said this was a special meeting to consider the proposal of the Sydenham Council to dispose of the excreta of the borough. The Council had built a building of brick composed of three skins as it were, wood, felt, and iron. This was to prevent the escape of any effluvia. A concrete tank, 7ft by 8ft, had been erected, the top of which was cemented. The floor of the building was concreted, and had two rails for the carts to run on. At the north end there was a furnace in a flue which it was thought would burn up all the gases. There was a well to the third strata, yielding the best supply he had seen. Two hoses were provided, one to flush the top of the cart and the other into the tank. On the carts coming in, the hoses would be disconnected and the two turned into the tank. When the cart discharged it was claimed that the contents would be swept through the opening provided into the main sewer. It was claimed that the washing of the cart and the burning of the gases, together with the large amount of water— some 1800 gallons— in the tank would prevent any nuisance whatever. He had forgotten to say that the building was closed with air-tight doors. That was the position of the proposal. He (the Mayor) had taken action in the matter, and on the 29th December had gone and inspected the site. Subsequently he had arranged with Dr Stewart to go to examine the site. Dr Stewart was, however, unable to go. He (the Mayor) had consulted the Corporation solicitor, Mr J. B. Fisher, and that gentleman had gone with him to see the site and also interviewed the Mayor and some of the Councillors of the borough of Sydenham. These gentlemen, he might say, had treated them with every courtesy. They said that they had considered the matter for some years and had now determined to try it as an experiment, also stating that they were advised it would not be any nuisance at all. Mr Fisher had promised to send him a written opinion and had done so. He would now ask the Acting Town Clerk, Mr Murray, to read that opinion. Mr Murray said that the opinion of the legal advisers to the Council, Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher, was as follows "We are asked to advise whether, in our view, the facts regarding the new scheme which has been adopted by the Sydenham Borough Council for disposal of its night soil are such as would justify the Christchurch City Council in interfering to prevent it from being carried into effect. Our information on.the subject, as you are aware, is derived from a personal inspection of the system, and a Conference with yourself and the Mayor and Town Clerk of Sydenham. There is a duty cast on the Sydenham Borough Council by statute of disposing of the night soil of the borough, and the manner in which they perform this duty must be left largely to their discretion. After much consideration and inquiry, and with a view to the performance of such duty in what they believe will prove the most efficient manner, they have adopted the scheme now under discussion, which they are advised will prove more efficient and less expensive than that which has hitherto been in use. Whether they are right or not must be left to experience to determine. No doubt the scheme is an experimental one, but the Council is entitled to make experiments and try new methods, provided that in doing so they do not trench upon pubic or private rights. Men who have made a study of the subject assert, and advise the Council, that if proper precautions are taken and available appliances are used by skilled workmen, no nuisance either public or private will be created, and that the inconvenience now suffered by the owners of property on the lines of street leading to the night soil reserve by reason of the passage to and fro of the night carts, will to a large extent be done away with in so far as relates to the soil from the borough of Sydenham. If when the scheme is brought into operation a permanent serious nuisance to the public is occasioned, it may be the duty of the Council to take steps to have it abated, but at present there is nothing in the circumstances to justify such action, nor any case on which the law courts can be called on to interfere.— -Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher." Cr. Stewart read a petition signed by 250 persons, 150 of whom were ratepayers of the city, calling the attention of the City Council to the action of the Sydenham Borough Council, and protesting against the site being so used on account of the nuisance caused by the carts, and the danger to their families from the stench arising. He had been waited upon by several of the petitioners, but he pointed out that whilst the scheme was in its initial state nothing could be done. Whilst he held that it was wrong for any Council to take up the position the Sydenham Council had done by putting this nuisance close to the city, it would have to be proved a nuisance. He would point out that a good site could have been obtained on the Gasworks road, which would have been quite as good as the one now selected. He might say that Mr Cuthbert had told him that the soilage pipe which the Council intended to connect with the sewer was only 6in, whilst the sewer was only 9in Even supposing the building was not a nuisance, he saw a difficulty in the case of the carts. It would be impossible to disinfect the carts passing to and fro. He understood there was a deputation, the members of which desired to speak, and he hoped the Council would hear them. Cr Gray said that though the Council could not at this stage take any steps they could express their opinion. He, therefore, begged "to move That this Council views with alarm the proposal of the Sydenham Borough Council to dispose of the night soil of that borough in such close proximity to the property of a number of the ratepayers of the south-west ward of this city, believing that such proposal if carried into operation will have the effect of largely depreciating the value of property in the neighbourhood, as well as being prejudicial to the health of the people in the vicinity." That would show that the Council were prepared to go to further lengths if it was proved a nuisance. He felt that if a Councillor had been living m the vicinity of the site the city would not have held him, and because it was not, so to speak, placed near their own doors, they were apt to treat it somewhat lightly. He sympathised most thoroughly with the residents of the ward, who would be sure to be affected by the procession of carts, and he was surprised that the Sydenham Borough Council should have done this without consulting the city. He did not know quite what their powers were, but if this was found to be a nuisance he thought they should lose no time in appealing to the Central Board of Health at Wellington, or if necessary to the Courts. Cr J. T. Smith seconded the motion. He thought it was a pity that the Sydenham Borough Council did not give notice of their intention of proceeding to carry out so important an experiment. They ought to have given the widest publicity to the matter, and had their plans for the inspection of the ratepayers who were so vitally interested. He was surprised to think this had not been done, and was more than surprised when one of the Sydenham Councillors told him that they had intended to keep it a secret. Surely in so important a matter as this the ratepayers ought to be consulted. There was no doubt that the Sydenham Councillors knew that it would meet with condemnation from the ratepayers living on the Christchurch side. Indeed, one of the Councillors had told him that if he lived there he should have been as much up in arms as they were. He (Cr Smith) had talked with the people on the subject, and had inspected the site and building. His opinion was that it was a tin-pot affair. (Hear, hear.) Let them consider a tank 7ft in diameter holding the sewage of 10,000 people. It was connected with the 9in sewer pipe by a 6in pipe. Was that sufficient, did they think, to carry off the sewage? He said not. If the night-carts were now a nuisance, would it not be a greater one to concentrate the whole of the carts in one place. (Hear, hear.) He considered further that the concentration of the sewage of 10,000 people in one hole would be of vital importance to the health of the people. All that they proposed to carry tins off with was one artesian well, and he could not but look upon the proposal as a menace to the health of the people. The Council ought, before taking the steps they had, have consulted the medical gentlemen of the city on the subject. There were medical gentlemen capable of advising the Council, and surely on such an important matter expert evidence should have been taken. {Hear, hear.) Cr Stewart said he desired to mention that he had asked Mr Cuthbert, the engineer to the Drainage Board, whether this scheme had been tried anywhere else, and he had replied that so far as he knew it had not. He (Cr Stewart) thought it was only right that the Council should know this. The deputation from the ratepayers of the part of the city affected were then introduced. Mr Turner said that they represented the residents in the part of the city affected, and they were there to protest against the vandalism of the Sydenham Borough Council and to ask the protection of the City Council. They had waited on the Borough Council, and had urged them to put it in their own Park, which they regarded as a joke. The Council pointed out that they must connect with the main sewer. So far as he understood Crs Large and Biltcliff was the Sub- Committee appointed to bring up the scheme. The ratepayers putting their opposition on the lowest possible ground did so because the value of their properties would be depreciated. Now he submitted that the proposal was a nuisance at present, and he asked the Council as one man to protest in the interests of their own ratepayers. He would point out to the Council that the whole of the expert knowledge brought to bear upon it was that of Crs Large and Biltcliff. (A Voice— "That is a large amount."). The utmost secrecy had been observed, and no one knew a word about it till the artesian well was sunk. Right close to this nuisance was a Nursing Home, conducted by a widow lady. Now, not one night during the year could that lady open her windows for the benefit of her patients. Ought that to be allowed to go on? Then, again, there was sure to be 50 per cent, depreciation of property if this went on, and if this scheme was carried, out they should look for 50 per cent reduction of their rates. They were not asking on sentimental grounds. He supposed that until some of the residents had been killed off the nuisance to health could not be proved. But on the ground of the depreciation of property they came to the Council and asked them to fight for them. They intended to fight the question out in the ward. They had the two leading papers who had come out nobly on their side. They had hundreds of ratepayers on the Sydenham side with them, and also the ratepayers of the city with them. Now, what they wanted was the help of the City Council. Mr E. G. Staveley said that the scheme must act most prejudicially in the depreciation of property. To his common sense it seemed a most monstrous thing to put down a receptacle of this kind in the midst of 25,000 people. It was just as if the City Council were to decide to erect a similar building in the centre of Cathedral square. It seemed to him somewhat of an anomaly that the same body which proposed to commit this nuisance periodically sent round an officer to the stores of the Company he represented to see that no effluvia emanated from skins, fat, &c, an effluvia which was a mere flea bite, if it existed, to the nuisance the Sydenham Council proposed to foist on the people of the district. Mr Buxton also urged upon the Council the danger to health of allowing such a system being brought into the midst of the people living in the ward. He protested against this being done, and hoped that, the City Council, would try and put a stop to it. Another member of the deputation (Mr Willis) pointed out that the bricks of the building were so thin that the gases could easily pass through. Again, the chimney was far too low and the furnace too small to get rid of the effluvia. But it was not so much this, as to the site which had been selected that they had objected. He had looked at the chart of the Drainage Board and found that a sewer 12in bore went past the Sydenham Park. So that they could have taken a portion of the Sydenham Park for the erection of the building, and the sewage would be able to be taken along a twelve-inch bore to the Pumping Station. In reply to a question from Cr. Stewart, Mr Turner said that in the new building of Skelton, Frostick and Co. the closet pipes were contracted to be four inches in diameter, with a fall of three feet to a chain. This choked up when the pipes came into use. Cr Sorensen spoke in favour of the resolution. He felt sure that there would be a very great amount of depreciation of the property in the vicinity. Cr. Woods also spoke in support of the resolution. He had looked at the building and regarded it as a very flimsy kind of one. He thought that if the scheme was carried out it would be a great nuisance. Cr Andrews had visited the site, and had come to the conclusion that it would be a great nuisance. The Sydenham Borough Council, he contended, had gone about the matter in a sneaking, secret manner. He contended that the placing of that building where it now was intended, as it was, for a dumping ground for sewage, should never be allowed. He thought the Council should stand by the South-west Ward and remove the nuisance. Cr Samuels would like to see the Council do more than was proposed by Cr Gray's motion. He should like to see the whole matter stopped. He would point out that whenever a strong S.W. wind was blowing the nuisance would be carried through the whole city. Cr Mickle quite agreed with the opinions of the Councillors who had spoken. The structure was a very paltry one for a big scheme, and it was absurd to attempt to carry out so great a scheme with such imperfect appliances. With regard to the placing of the large amount of water in the sewers that might act prejudicially by creating a large amount of gas. The height of the chimney, too, was absurd to carry out what was expected of it. He heartily supported the motion, as he thought it was only the duty of the City Council to endeavour to put a stop to what would no doubt be a great nuisance. Cr Stapleton thought that the action of the Sydenham Borough Council in doing what they had could not be too strongly reprobated. He thought the Council should take every step in their power to put a stop to this nuisance. Cr Appleby said that, as would be seen, the Sydenham Borough Council had come to the very edge of their boundary, and had commenced to create a nuisance right on the edge of the city without giving the City Council notice in any way, or in the slightest degree considering the city. There were plenty of other places in the borough of Sydenham which would have been as near to the sewer as the present site. The difficulty was that they could not prove a nuisance until it existed. At the same time, the motion had his heartiest support. Cr Prudhoe said he had inspected the building and site, and was struck with the miserably slovenly manner in which the work was done. He could only hope that Mr Fisher would be able to see hie way to advise the Council that they had power to stop this nuisance. Cr Kincaid hoped that the good sense of the Sydenham ratepayers would lead them to put a stop to what was likely to prove a great nuisance. Cr Gray said that he might mention that the Sydenham Council had been offered the use of the Drainage Board's sewage farm to deposit their night soil, but it had been refused. He thought that they must be careful, in view of the opinion of solicitor, to make haste slowly. So far as the Sydenham Borough Council was concerned, if he read the reports correctly, that body had gone the whole hog, inasmuch as they had bought out the night soil contractor and had entered into an arrangement with Mr Chapman to horse the carts. This looked as if they had burned their boats, and no doubt they would find when they have to retrace their steps that it would have been better to have dealt fairly and above board and not secretly, as had been the case. The motion was put and carried unanimously. Cr J. T. Smith thought that there was not much use in expressing sympathy without practically helping, and he thought, therefore, that they should apply to the Drainage Board to put a stop to the scheme now and at once. He therefore moved— "That the District Drainage Board be urgently requested to prevent the use of tea tank in carrying out the sewage scheme until the ratepayers whose interests are vitally affected have had an opportunity of fully considering the plans of the proposed scheme, and of taking expert evidence as to the danger to the health of the people in the neighbourhood if the scheme is carried into effect." The ratepayers of Sydenham were the masters of the Sydenham Borough Council, and he thought that they should be consulted. He had been told that Mr Cuthbert, the Engineer of the Drainage Board, had insisted upon a 12ft tank being constructed, but under pressure he had given way and allowed an 8ft tank. He (Cr Smith) thought that Mr Cuthbert as a professional man should not have given way. No connection with the sewers could be carried out unless the Drainage Board allowed it, and therefore he thought they should apply to that body to put a stop to the scheme. Cr Stewart seconded the motion, but pointed out that the connection with the sewer had already been made. He thought the resolution should be worded so that the sending of the sewage into the sewer should be stopped until the obtaining of expert evidence on the subject. In answer to Cr. Andrews, The Mayor said the permit from the Drainage Board to connect with the sewer had been obtained some four years ago. Mr Cuthbert had informed him that if he found the scheme a nuisance he would at once revoke the permit. The resolution was supported by Cr Prudhoe, and agreed to unanimously. The Mayor, Crs Stewart, Smith, Gray and Mickle were appointed a deputation to wait on the Drainage Board in connection with the matter. The Council then adjourned. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18970125.2.11&srpos=386&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9684, 25 January 1897, Page 3 CORRESPONDENCE. SYDENHAM SEWAGE SCHEME. ------TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — The forty-eight hours' notice to abate the nuisance on the South town belt, given by tbe Drainage Board to the Sydenham Borough Council, expired at twelve noon to-day. One would have thought that the Sydenham Councillors had sufficient good sense to comply with the Drainage Board's orders immediately, but they are evidently determined to inflict the abominations on the residents in the vicinity as long as possible. The carts were there again this morning under the supervision of Messrs Allison and Caygill, and the effluvial gases contaminated the atmosphere as late as 6 a.m. The forbearance of the residents and ratepayers is being severely tested, and if the exasperation continues much longer they cannot be blamed for forcibly stopping the work themselves. It is now known that the Sydenham Council intend carrying on against the orders of the Drainage Board. Now we have had enough of this experimental bungling already, and I think it is time the ratepayers of Sydenham held an indignation meeting to call on the Councillors to resign, and protest against any more of their money being wasted in a useless struggle. These men are not spending their own money over this mad scheme, but the money of the ratepayers. They have not a leg to stand on, and must lose in a Court of law. As this work was undertaken without publicly consulting the ratepayers, I think the Sydenham Councillors should be called upon to pay for it themselves. — Yours, &c., SYDENHAM RATEPAYER, January 22nd. ------TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — You will much oblige by inserting in your valuable journal for me, ere my family and the inhabitants of the south-west ward of our city get smitten with the bubonic or any other variety of direful plagues existing in those numerous, insalubrious portions of the known world, as it is now recently become too risky to dwell in the locality much longer while the Sydenham Mayor and Councillors are being taught sanitary laws from insanitary measures, in spreading broadcast their filth so near the dwellings of numerous inhabitants and poisoning the atmosphere. 'When common sense and reason fail, Dire pest and plague will then prevail ; True citizens must stand upright, And brace your armour on to fight. ' It it beyond my comprehension, when men are elected to govern monetary and sanitary conditions of petty or more influential boroughs, why they do not reflect more over that kind of cleanliness conducive to good health, instead of accumulating filth around the dwellings of its inhabitants; nor why they cannot close up their stinkpots as soon as ever they were made aware of its nuisance. Sooner or later, if sanitary measures are not improved so near the town belt, a great importation of respirators, undertakers and doctors should take place for the sick and dying and the dead. Ah, what is gold and silver wealth, If man hath not pure air and health? Which doctors preach and all agree, That wilful blindness cannot see!" — Yours, &c, G. WILLMER ------TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — In consequence of the dissatisfaction which exists in Sydenham over the mismanagement by the borough councillors, a large number of ratepayers are moving to have the administration of the Borough of Sydenham amalgamated with the Christchurch City Council and to sweep away the present state of affairs. What with the recent loan business, the purchase of a new cemetery, the unproductiveness of Sydenham Park, which would be a profitable acquisition under proper management, and now the diabolical infliction of their sewage scheme on us, I think the ratepayers have reached the limit of their endurance, and now is the time to sweep away the administration and the whole bag and baggage of the same. Now that the matter has opened up, perhaps it would be as well to inform your readers that Christchurch itself is not possessed of a railway station of its own, and a Sydenham Councillor has actually stated that, in view of the excreta station on the Belt being disconnected with the sewers, his Council will endeavour to have the sewage from the whole of Sydenham plumped into trucks at the present station and taken away on the railway to Chainey's Corner. A number of new buildings have lately been erected and the thick population on both sides of the line is increasing so largely that the South Town Belt will ultimately become the very centre of Christchurch. I believe the ratepayers are unanimous in demanding that something must be done. Their money is being wasted in experiments in which they have no voice. The Sydenham Council say we must progress and I would be the last to oppose any progressive scheme for the benefit of the community, but the recent schemes have undoubtedly proved to be retrograde ones, and now I say let us progress, and bring about a better state of things right here.T he saving that would be effected by the abolition of the Sydenham Council, officers, with the Mayor's and the Town Clerk's salaries, would amount to a great deal more than the alleged saving by this infernal sewage scheme. — Yours, &c, SYDENHAM. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18970203.2.8.2&srpos=389&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9642, 3 February 1897, Page 3 EXTENSION OF CITY BOUNDARIES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. SIR, I believe some busybodies in the borough of Sydenham, who are dissatisfied with the action of the Borough Council in erecting a sewage depot, are actively canvassing for signatures to a petition to have the boundaries of Christchurch so altered that Sydenham shall be incorporated with Christchurch and governed by 4he City Council. It is said that many residents on the South Belt are in favour of it, also that non-ratepayers are being induced to sign the petition; but, as ratepayers would have to bear any taxes imposed in case of the change taking place, it is hardly an honest way of swelling a petition. Seeing that the Christchurch City Council have a debit balance of over £3500, fail to perceive any benefit likely to accrue by handing over our affairs (which are not quite so bad as this) to these wonderful wizards of finance. If they cannot run Christchurch on a sound basis, they are not likely to do Sydenham any good. The borough of Richmond has not benefited to any appreciable extent by their management, the roads and footpaths being in a very primitive state. Since Sydenham has been formed into a borough it has been made a model of cleanliness, and in winter time, more especially, the benefit of asphalted footpaths and concrete guttering throughout the borough is greatly appreciated. Our Councillors may have made mistakes at various times, but that is only human, and if a certain section of the ratepayers are dissatisfied with their work they must either put forward more competent men to carry on the business of the borough or put up with the consequences. Theirs is a thankless task, and they are not likely to please everyone. Even the bigoted people who opposed the offer of a trotting club with regard to the Sydenham Park, had to put up with the jibes and jeers of those ratepayers who favour sport. Our Councillors may be a poor business lot, but government by the Christchurch City Councillors would not improve our finances, lighten our taxes or raise the price of property. I trust ratepayers will carefully consider before consenting to hand over the borough to our city brethren. — Yours, &c, RATEPAYER. Sydenham, February 2nd, 1897. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18970206.2.19.5&srpos=390&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 301-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9645, 6 February 1897, Page 5 EXTENSION OF CITY BOUNDARIES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — The Sydenham Borough Council seem to be going from bad to worse. It is difficult for an observer of current events to understand what the ratepayers of the borough are thinking of. They have already allowed the Council to run into debt to a considerable extent, and now it appears that they are to be plunged in still further debt through the folly of the Council in entering upon a lawsuit which it is obvious must not only result in piling up law costs, but also render useless the expenditure incurred in the erection of a sewage depot which should never have been established in its present situation. If the Christchurch City Council would take Sydenham under their jurisdiction many advantages would be gained to the borough. The bank overdraft of the Christchurch Council is only a fleabite, taking everything into consideration, when compared to that of Sydenham. Besides the general advantages to be obtained, the Sydenham ratepayers might get a reduction of rates to the level of those in the city. The administration of Sydenham Park seems to stand much in need of a change. If it were used for bicycle races and athletic sports' meetings or even trotting races, under proper supervision, some profit would be made, more than sufficient to pay interest on the money expended on the place. l am glad to see that at least one of the Sydenham Councillor has got the courage of his convictions. Although Mr McMillan once supported the sewage scheme, he is now satisfied that it is a failure and a nuisance to the neighbourhood, consequently he is willing to admit, like a man, that he has made a mistake, which shows that his intelligence is superior to that of his brother councillors. — Yours, &c, SYDENHAMITE. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18970721.2.49.2&srpos=456&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 401-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9784, 21 July 1897, Page 6 SYDENHAM PARK. TO THS EDITOR OF THE PRRSS. Sir, — A report has reached me to the effect that it is intended to get the use of Sydenham Park for trotting meetings. It is to be hoped that the Borough Council will not consent to anything of the kind. If remember rightly Parliament voted half the cost to enable Sydenham to obtain a park for public recreation, not a place for Trotting Clubs to use for the purpose of getting gate money to provide stakes for race meetings. — Yours, &c, RATEPAYER 20th July. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18970727.2.5.2&srpos=459&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-401- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 5933, 27 July 1897, Page 1 An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present The Mayor (Mr N. K. Bowden), Councillors Murray, Hadfield, Halley, Muffett, Large, Beattie, Lafferty, Hirtzell, Manhire, Bell and Cutler...... The Works Committee recommended that the application of the Sydenham and. Addington Cricket Club for permission to prepare the ground for cricket and use the remainder of the oval in Sydenham Park, should be granted the permission, not to give the club any pre-emptive right to the use of the ground, or any right to prevent other clubs playing upon it. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18971222.2.3.5&srpos=167&e=------100--101-byDA-on- -0sydenham+cricket+pavilion-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9916, 22 December 1897, Page 1 SYDENHAM AND ADDINGTON UNITED CRICKET CLUB, OPENING OF NEW PAVILION AT SYDENHAM PARK. THE FORMAL OPENING of the PAVILION, as above, will take place on CHRISTMAS DAY, at 4 p.m. His Worship the Mayor of Sydenham (J. Forrester, Esq.), has kindly consented to preside. Afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided. All members, intending members, friends and supporters of the Club are cordially invited and earnestly requested to be present. The return match with the Rivals C.C., Wellington, will commence on the same day, as soon after the arrival of the Rotomahana as possible (which is expected in Lyttelton at 1 p.m.), and will be continued on Monday, 27th inst. An interesting game and close and exciting finish is expected. Admission— Free. GEORGE DEWE, Hon. Secy. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18971227.2.25&srpos=173&e=------100--101-byDA-on-- 0sydenham+cricket+pavilion-- Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9919, 27 December 1897, Page 4 New Cricket Pavilion.— On the occasion of the cricket match on Christmas Day between the Wellington Rivals and the Sydenham and Addington C.C., the Mayor of Sydenham formally opened the new pavilion, the funds for which were supplied by the club's art union, which realised £314. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18971227.2.4.1&srpos=46&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+cricket+club-- Star , Issue 6061, 27 December 1897, Page 1 The Sydenham Cricket Club celebrated by a match the opening of the new pavilion on its ground. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18971227.2.41&srpos=172&e=------100--101-byDA-on-- 0sydenham+cricket+pavilion-- Star , Issue 6061, 27 December 1897, Page 3 SYDENHAM AND ADDINGTON V. RIVALS (WELLINGTON). A match Sydenham and Addington United Club v. Rivals (Wellington) was commenced at Sydenham Park on Saturday, when the pavilion which has recently been erected on the ground was formally declared open by the Mayor, Mr Forrester. The first innings of the Sydenham and Addington Club closed for 130 (R. Halley 33, Sikes not out 22, Savage 19, Gasson 13, Hepburn 10). Waters took seven wickets for 39 runs, and Howard three for 52. When stumps were drawn the Rivals had scored 58 for the loss of two wickets (C. Howard not out 31, Williamson run out 16). The match was continued at Sydenham Park this morning, when the visitors resumed batting and were all disposed for 103. C. Howard batted well for 33, Waters made 15 in creditable style, while A. Howard and Gibson made ten each. Sydenham, in their second innings, had at the luncheon adjournment made 109 for six wickets. Walmsley contributed 38 and J. A. Caygill was responsible for 38 not out. Turner trundled most successfully for Sydenham as did C. Howard for the Rivals. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18980531.2.16&srpos=588&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 501-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LV, Issue 10050, 31 May 1898, Page 4 What may be considered the final public act in connection with the now historical Sydenham sewage case, was performed last night by the municipal body interested. On the recommendation of its Works Committee the Sydenham Borough Council resolved to dispose of its interest in the lease of the sewage station site, South Belt. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18981124.2.29&srpos=648&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 601-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LV, Issue 10201, 24 November 1898, Page 5 THE VOLUNTEERS. A parade of the Sydenham Rifles was held in Sydenham Park on Tuesday evening, Captain Smith in command. At a general meeting of the company a code of rules was passed, and finance and shooting committees elected. Lieutenant Millar, Colour-Sergeant Parker, and Sergeant Bourdot were appointed range association delegates, and Sergeant Woodfield hon. secretary. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18981124.2.14&srpos=647&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-601- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6343, 24 November 1898, Page 1 THE VOLUNTEERS. The members of the Canterbury Engineers, in camp at New Brighton, are making very satisfactory progress. On Monday forty-nine men were on parade, and fifty-three turned out last night, this being almost a record for a company camp. Captain Falconer was in camp on Monday, and gave instruction in the making of gun-pits and shelter-trenches, and a seven-pier pontoon bridge was built on the ground. The Mounted Rifles will thoroughly test the carrying- capacity of this bridge, which will be thrown across the river on Saturday afternoon. The Imperial Rifles turned out in strong force last night, under Captain Charlewood, and, marching to Hagley Park, were there exercised in extended attack formation. The Sydenham Rifles, fifty-seven rank and file, under Captain Smith, paraded at Sydenham Park on Tuesday evening, and were put through company movements and manual and firing exercises by the officers. After the parade, a general meeting was held at the Gymnasium, at which the working code of rules of the company were passed, and the following committees were elected: — Finance, Sergeants Bourdot and Farrant; shooting, Colour-sergeant Parker, Sergeants Bourdot and Farrant, and Privates Smith and Bradley; auditors, Lieutenant Hall and Sergeant Stevens ; delegates to the Range Association, Lieutenant Millar, Colour-Sergeant Parker and Sergeant Bourdot; honorary secretary, Sergeant Woodfield. Three teams from the E Battery, two from the Engineers, one each from the City and College Rifles, and the whole of the Cycle Corps (with the exception of the commissioned officers), intend competing at the Dunedin Military Tournament. The next handicap and champion belt competition of the City Rifles will be fired at the Bromley Range on Saturday afternoon. The City Rifles have decided to give a concert at the Theatre Royal on Dec. 20, in aid [of] the expenses their team will incur in visiting Auckland. Several leading local amateurs have promised their assistance. The mounted Rifles will parade, mounted, for drill with the First Canterbury Battalion at seven o'clock on Nov. 30. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990116.2.48&srpos=664&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-601- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6385, 16 January 1899, Page 3 In connection with the Primitive Methodist Conference, a picnic was held at the fishponds, Opawa, on Saturday. There was an attendance of nearly two hundred, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. In the evening in Cathedral Square, a large crowd assembled, and listened to speeches from the Revs J. Cocker, J. Dawson and C. E. Ward, and Mr W. T. Bull and Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R. Yesterday afternoon a camp meeting, attended by about a thousand persons, was held in the Sydenham Park, when addresses were given by the Revs G. H. Mann, W. Harris and C. E. Ward and Mr J. Clement. The procession to the ground was headed by an excellent brass band under the leadership of Mr Fitzmmons. A large number of the pulpits of the city were supplied yesterday by ministers and laymen attending the conference. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990118.2.57&srpos=667&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-601- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6387, 18 January 1899, Page 4 THE VOLUNTEERS. A Government parade of the E Battery was held last night, when forty-two rank and file, under Captain Donald, were present, and were exercised in gun and small arm drill. The evening was concluded with lectures on rifle shooting and gunnery by the noncommissioned officers. A company parade of the Canterbury Engineers was also held, forty- two rank and file, under Captain Dougall being present. Infantry drill and Morris-tube practice formed the work of the evening. The Sydenham Rifles, forty-two in number, under Captain Smith, paraded last night at Sydenham Park, and were instructed by Staff Sergeant-Major Barrett in manual marching and extended order exercises,. This corps has made good progress in the short time since its formation. At a general meeting of the Sydenham corps, held immediately after the drill, Captain Smith. presiding, Dr R. W. Anderson was unanimously elected honorary surgeon, and the Rev T. A. Williams honorary chaplain to the corps. A meeting of the Standing Committee was then held, at which it was decided to ask the Garrison Band to contribute two items to the programme of the forthcoming company entertainment, and to ask the City Rifles to give an exhibition of physical drill, the Christ's College Rifles to perform the bayonet exercise, and the battalion staff to permit the City Guards to provide a guard of honour. Captain Smith, Lientenant Miller, Colour-sergeant Parker and Sergeant Bourdot were appointed members of the Programme and Arrangement Committee and Lieutenant Winter Hall stage manager. It was decided to have 3000 tickets printed for the entertainment, at which his Excellency the Governor, and the Mayors and Councillors of the city and surrounding boroughs will be present. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990124.2.41&srpos=669&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-601- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6392, 24 January 1899, Page 3 The Mayor of Sydenham, at the meeting of the Borough Council last evening stated with reference to his suggestion that the Council might seek legislation empowering it to sell whole or part of the frontage of the Sydenham Park, and obtain control over land immediately adjoining the Park that the Clerk had been instructed to draw up plans of the whole scheme. He thought it would assist a satisfactory conclusion being arrived at by the members if each took one of these plans away with him, and considered well the project as detailed there before it came up at next meeting. Personally he did not agree with every detail in the plan. but that was a matter which could be easily rectified. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990124.2.65.2&srpos=670&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 601-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6392, 24 January 1899, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present— The Mayor and Councillors Bell, Manhire, Jacques, Day, Young, Taylor, Halley and Murray. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cutler, Lafferty and Meikleham..... The Sydenham Football Club wrote, asking for the use of Sydenham Park during the forthcoming season. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. Captain Smith wrote requesting the patronage of the Mayor and Council at the concert in aid of the fund of the corps. The request was acceded to. The Sydenham, Hockey Club applied for the use on Thursday and Saturday afternoons of a portion of Sydenham Park during the hockey season. The letter was referred to the Works' Committee. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990127.2.57.3&srpos=674&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 601-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6395, 27 January 1899, Page 4 THE VOLUNTEERS. The battalion parade held last night showed a better attendance than has been the case for several years in this city, the additional muster being accounted for by the inclusion of the recently formed Sydenham and Linwood Rifles, who, for the first time, took their places in the battalion. Both these companies proved that they had made excellent use of the instruction given to them. The men were steady on parade, and marched very creditably, the Linwood corps attracting special notice from the spectators, of whom there were many present. After battalion exercises in the drill-shed grounds, the force, headed by the Garrison Band, marched to the Sydenham Park and back. The Cycle Corps, under Lieutenant Finnis, did reconnoitring work on the Mile Road as far as the cemetery, returning via the Canal Reserve and Worcester Street. Major Day was in command of the parade, and was assisted by Captain and Adjutant Hobday, Captain Snow, C.M.R. acting as orderly. The parade state was as .follow. s Christchurch City Guards (Captain Creswell), 48 ; Christ's College Rifles (Lieutenant N. L. D. Smith), 31 ; Christchurch City Rifles (Captain Fairbairn), 45 ; Imperial Rifles (Captain Charlewood), 50 ; Sydenham Rifles (Captain G. J. Smith), 56 ; Linwood Rifles (Lieutenant Drayton), 58 ; Cycle Corps (Lieutenant Finnis), 20 ; Garrison Band (Bandmaster Merton), 23 ; staff, 3. Total 334. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP18990220.2.17&cl=search&srpos=685&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 601-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22--&st=1 OBITUARY. Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10276, 20 February 1899, Page 3 MR J. A. CAYGILL. The news of the death of Mr J. A. Caygill. the well-known lawyer, wil be learned with great and widespread regret. Mr Caygill who was a gentleman universally respected among old and young, died at 4 p.m. on Saturday last, after a very long illness, which was especially severe in the last few weeks when he was confined to his house. Nearly twelve months ago he visited Sydney in the hope of being able to get rid of a cancerous growth. and was operated upon by Dr. McCormick. Though the cancer was not removed. Mr Caygill was greatly benefited, and was able to resume his active duties on his return to Christchurch. In December last His illness returned, and acting under Dr. Diamond's instructions, he relinquished work. He gradually became worse, and paralysis set in, which brought about his death in the prime of life. Mr Caygill was 42 years of age. He was educated at Christ's College, being one of its first scholarship holders, and after leaving school, took up the teaching profession under the North Canterbury Education Board. He afterwards joined the ministry, becoming a minister ol the United Free Methodist Church, and among other places was stationed on the West Coast and Auckland. After three years service he resigned and took to the law being called to the bar in 1883. He followed his profession in Ashburton for five years, was subsequently about two years in Christchurch, and then entered into partnership with Mr H. Y. Widdowson. who was articled with him to the late Dr. Foster, and subsequently to Mr F. Wilding, and was called to the bar in the same year. The deceased gentleman was a well read and a good speaker and debater, and proved an able representative of the ratepayers on the Sydenham Borough Council, and of the Council on the Hospital Board, on which he served for two years. He was a member of the Canterbury Law Society, and occupied.a seat on its Council. He was best known, perhaps, as a cricketer, and on account of the interest he took in swimming. He was one of the founders of the old Hagley Oak Leaf Club, which eventually developed into the Sydenham and Addington U.C.C. He represented it on the Cricket Council, and lately by that body was chosen as one of the selectors of the interprovincial team. To his exertions was greatly due the present position of the S. and A. U.C.C, and the acquisition and preparation for its use of a portion of the Sydenham Park. He was among the original members of the Sydenham Amateur Swimming Club, and largely assisted in getting the Sydenham bath constructed. He was a lover of true amateur sport, a true sportsman himself, and a thorough gentleman, and his place will not be readily filled in many sections of the work of the community. He leaves a widow and four daughters, one of whom is a teacher in the Sydenham school. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18990328.2.19&srpos=703&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10306, 28 March 1899, Page 5 A meeting was held in the Sydenham Borough Council Chambers last evening— the Mayor, Mr Hadfield, presiding— when it was decided to form a Bowling Club. A deputation was appointed to ask the Council for permission to use part of Sydenham Park as a green. It was decided to start the club as soon as thirty persons had notified their intention of joining. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990405.2.74&srpos=707&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6452, 5 April 1899, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening present— The Mayor (Mr J. Hadfield) and Councillors Murray, Halley, Taylor, Young, Sim, Day Jacques, Manhire and Meikleham. Leave of absence was granted to Councillors Lafferty and Bell...... A deputation from the proposed Sydenham Bowling Club had approached the committee with a request that a site for a bowling green forty yards square should be set apart for bowling at the Waltham end of Sydenham Park. The committee recommended that the application should be granted, the Works Committee to arrange with the Bowling Club as to the exact position of the green. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18990406.2.36&srpos=709&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10313, 6 April 1899, Page 6 At an adjourned meeting of the proposed Sydenham Bowling Club, held last evening, reports were handed in showing that twenty-six members had joined and a number of others had promised. Permission had been obtained from the Council to use the north-west corner of Sydenham Park as a green. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18990418.2.12&srpos=710&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 0643, 18 April 1899, Page 1 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present- Mr J. Hadfield (Mayor), and Councillors Cutler, Bell, Manhire, Jacques, Daye, Sim, Meikleham, Young,, Taylor Halley, and Murray...... The Works Committee....,had granted the request of the Sydenham Bowling Club to have a site set apart for a bowling green in Sydenham Park, and recommended that the Club should be authorised to prepare and fence the green. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18990418.2.31&srpos=712&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10323, 18 April 1899, Page 5 SYDENHAM. This Council met last night. Present— The Mayor (Mr Hadfield), and Crs. T. Cutler, R. Bell, B. P. Manhire, W. Jacques, S. Day, J. B. Sim, W. H. Meikleham, R. Young, B. M. Taylor, R. Halley, J. Murray and C. Lafferty...... The Sydenham and Addington U.C.C. asked permission during the year 1900 to enclose the ground used by them on the Park, as it was necessary that it should be re-ploughed and sown in grass. The letter was referred to the Reserves Committee. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18990726.2.57&cl=&srpos=0&e=------10-PubMetaTS-51-byDA--- 2%2522sydenham+park%2522-- Star , Issue 6546, 26 July 1899, Page 4 RECREATION GROUND FOR LINWOOD http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18990815.2.57&dliv=&e=------10--1----0-- Star , Issue 6564, 15 August 1899, Page 4 LINWOOD RECREATION GROUND. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROMISED. { FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT..] WELLINGTON August 14. This afternoon a deputation from the Linwood Borough Council, consisting of the Mayor (Mr Horsley) and Councillors Jamieson, Marshall and Fraser, waited on the Premier in connection with the proposed recreation ground. The deputation was introduced by Mr Tanner, and there were also present in support Messrs Joyce, Lewis and Taylor. Mr Horsley explained how matters stood with regard to the twenty-three acres under offer to the Council, and preferred a request for Government assistance towards purchasing the property. Each of the other delegates also spoke in support of the claims of the borough, which had never yet had any Government favours. It was pointed out that Sydenham had received a grant of £2000 towards its recreation ground a few years ago. The action of the Children's Aid Society in impressing the necessity for a "lung" was also mentioned. Mr Tanner reminded the Premier that the Minister of Lands had placed £100 on last year's Estimates on the basis of £ for £ towards the purpose in question, and had thus recognised the principle they were contending for. The vote had not been challenged in the House. Mr Taylor mentioned the fact that, while Sydenham enjoyed a revenue of £400 per annum from endowments, and other boroughs were well off in this respect, Linwood was absolutely without any such aids. Mr Lewis pointed out how Hagley Park itself, which served the western part off Christchurch so well, had had the effect of forcing the expansion of the place to the eastward, where no reserves had been made. Mr Joyce put in a word on behalf of Woolston. The Premier said that, admitting the necessity and urgency of the deputation's request, the difficulty was that there was no fund to meet such purposes. A large number of boroughs had sprung into existence by the growth of population in the same way as Linwood, and with the same hand-to-mouth finance. It was difficult to see how one could be favoured and not others. In the case of Sydenham, the grant had primarily been made to finance the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, almost a national object. The transaction killed two birds with the one stone, and had been a good thing for Sydenham. He was doubtful whether the House would receive a vote for the purpose asked with favour, and he might inform the deputation at once that there was no chance of the Cabinet placing an open vote-on the Estimates. If, however, the Council was prepared to come forward and help itself, something might be done. A general discussion ensued, in which the delegates expressed the willingness of the borough to do its part, but mentioned the practical impossibility of obtaining the statutory majority at a poll owing to the passive opposition of absentee owners and others. Finally the Premier stated that he would submit to the Cabinet a £ for £ vote up to half the purchase money of the ground, in view of the condition that the borough introduced a local Bill to enable it to take advantage of the vote if the measure passed. It was late in the session, but he was prepared to give the Bill facilities. I would be three weeks at the earliest before the Bill could come up. He suggested that power should be taken to borrow up to £2000 for the purpose named, with provision for a special rate if required, and also for a bare majority of those voting carrying the poll. The Premier added that the introduction of the Bill would probably bring in a shoal of similar measures from all over the colony, but he regarded the' question from a national point of view, and considered that the State was materially recouped in the improved health and welfare of its citizens. Mr Tanner stated that the proposed recreation ground was situated just outside the Linwood boundary, in the Woolston borough. It would thus serve the two boroughs, and the Premier need not fear a similar demand from Woolston. Mr Joyce said that he would telegraph the joint proposal to the Mayor of Woolston. Mr Tanner thanked the Premier, and the deputation withdrew. Mr Horsley subsequently informed me that he was telegraphing to the Linwood Borough Clerk to call a special meeting of the Council on Thursday night, and the local Bill will be advertised on Saturday. At £ for £ for half cost the Government subsidy figures out at £920, the ground consisting of 23 acres, for which £80 per acre is asked by Mr John Connal. The submission of the vote to the Cabinet may be taken as a matter of form only in this case. During the Linwood deputation interview, the Premier said that opposition to a Government grant might be raised in the House on the cry of "spoils to the victors." He added, amid some amusement, that Linwood was a democratic borough, with, it was understood, leanings towards the present Government; not that the borough should be punished on that account ; but he had to look at all these aspects of affairs. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18991017.2.56&srpos=736&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6618, 17 October 1899, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening...... From the Sydenham and Addington Cricket Club, asking permission to make provision for watering the cricket ground on Sydenham Park. The request was granted. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18991128.2.22&srpos=50&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+cricket+club Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10514, 28 November 1899, Page 4 The Sydenham Cricket Club wrote to the Sydenham Borough Council complaining of the annoyance and expense caused them by the hockey and football players and asking as compensation a portion of the rent paid by the hockey and football clubs. It was agreed to allow the Club one-third of the amount asked for. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS18991212.2.47.2&srpos=51&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+cricket+club Star , Issue 6666, 12 December 1899, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present— .The Mayor (Mr J. Hadfield) and Councillors Manhire, Day, Forrester, Jones, Sim, Meikleham, Smith, Taylor and Jacques...... The President of the Sydenham Hockey Club wrote in reference to a paragraph in one of the daily papers stating that the Sydenham Cricket Club had complained to the Council of the annoyance and expense it had been subjected to by the hockey and football players in Sydenham Park. The facts, from the Hockey Club's point of view, were that they themselves had been subjected to annoyance, and their rights had been infringed by the Cricket Club. The letter was received...... The Works and Finance Committees recommended that repairs and alterations should be made at the caretaker's premises in Sydenham Park, as advised by the inspector..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP18991212.2.38.2&srpos=52&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+cricket+club Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10526, 12 December 1899, Page 6 The Sydenham Borough Council met last night. Present— The Mayor, Crs Jacques, Taylor, Smith, Meikleham, Sims, Jones, Forrester, Day, and Manhire. The Rev. T. A. Williams wrote stating that he had noticed a paragraph in "The Press" stating that the Sydenham Cricket Club had written to the Council complaining of the annoyance and expense caused them by the hockey and football players on the Park. The opposite was what really occurred. The Cricket Club had thrown earth and water upon the Hockey Club's portion of the ground, and seemed to think they had a monopoly of the Park...... The Works Committee recommended that repairs and alteration to the Caretakers' premise, in Sydenham Park, as recommended by the Borough Inspector, be carried out...... in accordance with an application from the Sydenham and Addington U.C.C the Committee recommended that the Club be granted permission to remove the water tanks and stand the Club proposes to erect at the back of the pavilion any time that the Club may elect to remove from the ground. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19000123.2.5&srpos=747&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6700, 23 January 1900, Page 1 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last. evening; present— Councillors Brown (chairman), Day, Taylor, Jones, Hammett, Forrester, Meikleham, M'Meekan, Sim and Smith...... The. Works Committee....recommended that an application from the Sydenham Bowling Club for permission to connect the bowling green with the water supply at the caretaker's premises in Sydenham Park should be granted http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19000220.2.63&srpos=750&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6723, 20 February 1900, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening; present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire) (presiding), and Councillors Brown, Hammett, Johnson, Jones, Sim, Meikleham, M'Meekan, Smith, Taylor and Jacques...... The Sydenham Football Club wrote, applying for the same ground on the Sydenham Park for the incoming season as they held last year. The Sydenham Hockey Club made a similar request. It was decided that the oval in the Park should be closed from April 1 until the committee had completed the work of breaking up the land and laying it down in grass. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000306.2.13.1&srpos=754&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10597, 6 March 1900, Page 3 The usual meeting of the Sydenham Borough Goundl was held yesterday evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Councillors Taylor, Johnston Jones, Smith, Brown, Jacques, McMeekan, Meikleham, Sim, Hammett, Forrester...... The Sydenham Football Club wrote complaining of the Council's decision not to grant the use of a part of the Sydenham Park for football, and asking for a reconsideration of the Council's decision. The Sydenham Hockey Club wrote to the same effect. The Sydenham and Addington Cricket Club wrote thanking the Council for closing the Park against football and hockey playing. The three letters were received and considered together. Deputations were heard from the three clubs. Cr. Johnston gave notice of motion— "That the resolution moved by Cr Taylor be rescinded, and that the applications from the football and hockey clubs be granted." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000403.2.15.2&srpos=759&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10621, 3 April 1900, Page 3 The Sydenham. Borough Council met last night, the Mayor and and the Councillors except Cr Forester being present. Leave of absence was granted to Cr. Forrester...... The Works Committee recommended.....that the track round the oval in Sydenham Park be reduced to twenty-five feet in width, the oval to be enlarged by the reduction of the track.....The report was adopted, except the clause relating to Sydenham Park, to which the Chairman accepted an amendment that all the track should be levelled to correspond with the rest of the ground..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000412.2.11.5&srpos=760&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10629, 12 April 1900, Page 2 LETTERS IN BRIEF...... "Ratepayer" writes, pointing out how the Sydenham Park is being spoilt as a recreation ground, owing to the track made across it from the new gate, opposite Gordon street, and predicting that if the gate is not closed by the Council, the ground in a few years will be closed against the youth of Sydenham in the same way as Cranmer and Latimer Squares have been. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19000419.2.13&srpos=40&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+rivals-- Star , Issue 6773, 19 April 1900, Page 1 BOROUGH COUNCILS SYDENHAM...... Councillor M'Meekan moved— "That the Town Clerk write to the various clubs playing on Sydenham Park— the Sydenham and Addington Cricket Club, Sydenham Football Club, Sydenham Bowling Club, Sydenham Hockey Club and Sydenham Rivals Cricket Club--asking whether they would co-operate with the Council in appointing a permanent caretaker, and what amount they would be prepared to contribute." Councillor Johnson seconded the motion, which was carried. Councillor Jones again brought up his motion to the effect that the Works Committee should put before the Council, at the second meeting from date, plans for the spaces proposed to be allotted for various games in Sydenham Park, together with the positions of flower-beds, and also all other improvements proposed to be carried out. Councillor Johnson seconded the motion. The discussion was interrupted by the adjournment of the Council at ten o'clock. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000529.2.10.1&srpos=766&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10668, 29 May 1900, Page 3 The Sydenham Borough Council met last night. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Crs R. M. Taylor, W. Jacques, W. Johnson. A. McMeekan, J. Sim, J. W. Smith, E. Jones, S. Williams, and J. Forrester...... An application by a deputation from Milton street and neighbourhood, for an opening into Sydenham Park at the south-west corner, was granted on the casting vote of the Mayor. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000612.2.31&srpos=768&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10680, 12 June 1900, Page 7 The ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last night. Present— His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire)--and Crs R. M. Taylor, W. Jacques, J. Forrester, J. Brown, J. B. Sim, E. Jones, Williams, Hemett, A. McMeekan, and Smith...... The motion respecting the opening of a gate at the south-west corner of the Sydenham Park was rescinded, by 6 votes to 5. A deputation was heard respecting the opening of the gate. Cr Forrester gave notice of motion that the motion just passed be rescinded. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000628.2.26&srpos=771&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10694, 28 June 1900, Page 3 The Sydenham Council met on Monday. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire) and Councillors Forrester, Williams, Hammett, Jones, Smith, Sim, Meikleham, Mc- Meehan, Johnston, Taylor, Jacques and Brown...... Mr John Hadfield wrote agreeing on behalf of the Sydenham Bowling Club to contribute £10 per annum towards the cost of a caretaker for the Sydenham Park. The letter was ordered to be held over...... The following resolution, moved by Cr. Forrester, was agreed to — "That the motion rescinding the resolution carried at a former meeting re erecting a gate at the south-west corner of Sydenham Park be rescinded." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19000807.2.9&srpos=773&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6867, 7 August 1900, Page 1 The Sydenham Borough Council met last evening present the Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Councillors Jacques, Taylor, M'Meekan, Smith, Sim, Brown, Forrester and Johnson...... The Works Committee.....stated in reference to the letter of the Sydenham and Addington United Cricket Club, specifying the duties of the caretaker of the Sydenham Park in relation 'to the maintenance of the cricket ground, that it agreed with the club's requirements respecting the preparation of the ground and wickets, but could only see its way to undertake the cleaning of the pavilion when the Council had the use of it. The committee also recommended that the sum of £15 should be offered to the club for improvements made to the ground, on condition that the water-pipes were considered the property of the Council. A heated discussion took place over this clause of the committee's report, and, eventually, an amendment, moved by Councillor Sim, seconded by Councillor Brown, that the £15 should be altered to £30, was carried by five votes to four.....The committee further recommended that a suitable horse for the use of the caretaker of the Park should be purchased; that the barbed-wire fence round the macrocarpa trees in the Park should be removed, and the material used in protecting the trees planted in the reserve at Addington ; that the macrocarpa trees should be topped and trimmed, and the growth up to the height of three feet from the ground should be removed and that the rubbish should be collected and burnt. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19000904.2.17&srpos=777&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10752, 4 September 1900, Page 3 The Sydenham Borough Council met.last night. Present — His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and! Crs. Forrester, Brown. Williams, Hammet, Jones, Smith, Sim, McMeekan, Taylor, and Jacques. Leave of absence was granted to Crs Meikleham and Johnson...... The offer of the two Cricket Clubs, the Hockey Club, and the Bowling Club, to contribute to the maintenance of the caretaker of the Sydenham Park was accepted. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19001002.2.16&srpos=41&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+rivals-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10776, 2 October 1900, Page 3 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held yesterday evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Crs Brown, Sim, Williams, Hammett, Smith, McMeehan, Johnston, Jacques, Clifford, Perks and Jones. The Sydenham and Addington United Cricket Club Committee wrote in regard to the money spent by the club in improving the surface of the ground, and suggesting a refund of at least half of the amount expended since play last took place. The Committee were prepared to take £30, and allow the pipes to become the property of the Council. On the motion of Cr Jones, the Council agreed to pay a further sum of £10, making in all £25, in full satisfaction of the cost of laying pipes in the Sydenham Park. An offer from the Sydenham Rivals Cricket Club of £5 for a wicket in the Park was accepted, the £5 to go towards the salary of the caretaker. A petition, signed by a number of residents in the East ward, was presented to the Council, asking for the opening of a gate of the Sydenham Park, opposite Gordon street. It was decided to hear the deputation, but as none put in an appearance the matter was dropped..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19001002.2.52&srpos=778&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6915, 2 October 1900, Page 4 The Sydenham Borough Council met last evening..... The Sydenham and Addington United Cricket dub wrote, stating that the greater part of the money spent by the Club Committee was in improving the surface of the ground, and £25 had been spent in pipes for extending the water service. The committee thought that it was entitled to a refund of at least half of the amount expended since play last took place. The Council had offered £15 for the work done on condition that the pipes down should become the property of the Council, whereas the pipes had cost the committee £48. 14s 10d in addition to the labour The committee was prepared to take £30 and allow the pipes to become the property of the Council. Councillor Jones moved that the Council should agree to pay a further £10, in addition to the £15 offered before in full settlement of the claim of the club for pipes laid in Sydenham Park. The motion was seconded by Councillor Brown and carried on a division. The Sydenham Rivals Cricket Club wrote, offering £5 for a wicket in the park. The Council resolved to grant the use of a portion of the ground on condition that the cricket club gave £5 towards the park caretaker's salary. Councillor Smith wrote, stating that a deputation would present a petition, signed by a number of residents in the East Ward, to the Council, asking for the opening of a gate to the Sydenham Park at Gordon Street, but as the deputation did not appear the Question was not discussed. A petition, signed by a number of residents in the East ward, was presented to the Council, asking for the opening of a gate of the Sydenham Park, opposite Gordon street. It was decided to hear the deputation, but as none put in an appearance the matter was dropped..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19001113.2.14&srpos=787&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10812, 13 November 1900, Page 3 An ordinary meeting; of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last night. Present -His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire) and Councillors Forrester, Sims, Jacques, Williams, Johnston, McMeekan, Jones, Clifford, Perks, Smith, Hammett, and Brown...... A deputation from the Rivals Cricket Club asked the Council to define in what part of the Sydenham Park the club might play as on several occasions the caretaker had prevented them playing. After discussion the matter was referred to the Estates Committee to fix a site for the club. The motion previously tabled by Cr. Forrester that the Works Committee consider the question of forming footpaths in the Sydenham Park was carried unanimously, and the Council adjourned. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19001113.2.28&srpos=786&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-701- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 6949, 13 November 1900, Page 3 During a discussion relating to cricket pitches in Sydenham Park, at the Sydenham Borough Council meeting last evening, it was stated that one of the Council's officials had pulled a club's wickets out of the ground and refused to allow play to proceed. Councillor Jones, addressing the Mayor, said, "I know your Worship, if I was playing cricket and he pulled one of my stumps out I'd have hit him over the head with the other one." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19001119.2.3.7&srpos=788&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10817, 19 November 1900, Page 1 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 1900. Showing the American system of Roping, Riding and Handling of Horses and Cattle. The wildest that can be produced. Also, a local Buck-jumping Prize will be given. Gates open at 1.30, performance 2.30 sharp. Admission, 1s; Children, Half Price. Broncho Race, Horse against Tandem Bicycle. Three miles and two miles, changing horses every half mile. Bicycle allowed pacers. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19001119.2.43.2&srpos=791&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10817, 19 November 1900, Page 6 BRONCHO GEORGE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — I cannot see what object William Miles can have for rushing into print, and, after gaining his case against me in the SJM Court, craving your valuable space to comment upon the interview your reporter had with me. William Miles says lie has no complaint to make against me personally, yet his officiousness caused me to be fined £2. It is not, however, within my province to cavil at what the S.P.C.A. inspector deems to be his duty, but in the concluding paragraph of William Miles's letter of your Saturday's issue, distinct animus towards me is shown by the implied threat summed up in the whole of the words contained therein. To a weak-kneed man, this threat, coming, as it does, from the ''Bumbledom of the S.P.C.A., might have resulted in a serious loss, in so far as it may have caused the removal of the Wild West Exhibition to some other town where the S.P.C. A. inspector was not so dog gone inflated with the importance of his small authority but, as will be seen by advertisement in another column, the Wild West Exhibition will be .thrown open to the public on Thursday afternoon at Sydenham Park. There all discerning Britishers will be in a position to judge whether the Wild West Show is cruel or otherwise. William Miles gets cut of his depth when he attempts the comparison of methods of catching untamed animals. He attempts, also, to twit me about the riding of the colonials and their colonial saddles but I must remind William Miles, the inspector, that I am here simply as an exponent of the American and Mexican systems of dealing with wild animals, and it would not be seemly for me so to do by means of anything in the shape of appliances that were not used and produced in my own country. Against the riding of the colonials I have nothing to say whatever — in fact, Australasians, and New Zealanders ride exceedingly well in their own class of work, and are, no doubt., splendid horsemen. With regard to the statement made by another and astute S.P.C.A. inspector, and given to your reporter last week, that "when dogs are employed to seize cattle in the open, greater injury is inflicted upon the beasts than when simply caught by means of the lassoo," William Miles insinuates that the inspector who gave this opinion must have been "town-bred." William Miles is "barking up the wrong tree"; he stultifies himself by his own remarks. Dogs are not only used, as he says, for driving cattle to and from the sale yards, they are trained, as every schoolboy knows, to perform anything the trainer may wish to direct; and it is certainly within my knowledge that dogs have ruined animals when attempting to catch them in the open country in an untamed state; this has occurred in this colony, and quite recently, too. In contradistinction, I may state, I trust, without being accused of egotism, that my methods have proved effective, and have been accomplished, not only without injury to the animals, but with satisfactory and beneficial results. For instance, at the Thames. District of Auckland, a certain wild bullock had defied hundreds to catch him. He had become the terror of the neighbourhood. Young men used! to form parties every Sunday to hunt this animal. I went out one Friday, and, single-handed, caught the beast. Moreover, I rode that same animal the next day at my Wild West Exhibition. Similar feats to this were performed by me at Maraekakaho and Porangahau, after which those cattle were so tame as to allow themselves to be driven in company with the milch cows to the milking yards by a person on foot. Does the inspector, William Miles, know of any bullock running at large in this district? If he is an outlaw bullock. xx 6 matter how wild, I will go out and fetch him in, single-handed, without injury to the animal, or drawing blood. As my friend Miles is, by his own implication, "country- bred," could he, I wonder, perform this feat with the aid of, say, twenty dogs and a dozen assistants? I don't think so. It is not the work of a S.P.C.A. inspector to interfere with the treatment of wild animals, but rather to devote his attention to the prevention of cruelty to tame ones. In the transport of animals from one place to another, numerous instances of cruelty are practised daily ; but I do not see the name of William Miles figuring in the prosecution.— Yours, etc., BRONCHO GEORGE. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19001213.2.34&srpos=799&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 701-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10838, 13 December 1900, Page 5 BOYS' INJURED BY GUNPOWDER. About 7.45 p.m. yesterday three boys, Joseph Carney, Light, and Milne, aged respectively about 18, 13, and 10 years, were playing with a quantity of gunpowder behind the cricket pavilion in the Sydenham Park, when one at them accidentally dropped a match into the tin containing it. The three boys were considerably singed by the explosion which followed, and rushed out from behind the pavilion, Carney temporarily winded and with his clothes on fire. They were taken to the Hospital, where it was found that the burns of Light and Milne, though painful, were merely superficial. These boys were sent home in a cab. Carney was partially blinded, and was kept at the institution,-where he will probably have to remain for a few days. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19010122.2.55&srpos=809&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-801- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7005, 22 January 1901, Page 4 A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last night present— the Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), Councillors Forrester, Sim, Williams, Hammett, Jones, Jacques, Clifford, Johnson, M'Meekan, Perks, Brown and Smith...... The Works Committee.....had asked the police to prosecute certain persons who were detected climbing the fences of Sydenham Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19010219.2.43&srpos=812&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 801-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10893, 19 February 1901, Page 6 SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Council met last evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Crs J Forrester, Sim, Williams, Hammett, Jones, J Brown, Perks, McMeekan, Johnston, Clifford, Smith, and Jacques...... Permission granted to he Sydenham Lawn Tennis Club in 1894 to get over the Park fence for the purpose of recovering a Iost ball, when necessary, was "withdrawn owing to abuse of the privilege. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19010320.2.27&srpos=53&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+cricket+club Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10918, 20 March 1901, Page 7 At a committee meeting of the Sydenham Hockey Club last night, correspondence was read from the Sydenham Borough Council, stating that two grounds had been set aside in the Sydenham Park for the use of the club; and from the Sydenham Cricket Club, granting the use of the pavilion. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19010529.2.3&srpos=842&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-801- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7111, 29 May 1901, Page 1 THE SYDENHAM PARK. The Works Committee recommended at Monday night's meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council that the gate of Sydenham Park opposite Gordon Street should be reopened, on the understanding that it was not to be used for making tracks across the ground. If it were found that tracks were made from gate to gate the gate should be closed again immediately. Councillor Millar moved, as an amendment, that paths should be made through the park prior to the opening of the gate. The Mayor: Then you mean, that the gates will be kept closed? Councillor Millar: No, I mean that the paths should be formed, and then the gates opened. The Mayor: Them I am afraid you will wait a long time. Councillor Millar: The Council has made a promise to the ratepayers, and I will stick to the point and the principle. Councillor Bowden asked what the promise was. The Mayor said there was no promise as to making paths. Councillor M'Meekan asked if the Council had not resolved to open the gate before. The Town Clerk said the resolution had been rescinded. Councillor Millar agreed to move his Amendment as a separate motion. The Works Committee's recommendation was then put and carried by nine to four. Eventually it was resolved to request the public not to make tracks across the Park between Gordon Street and Durham Street gates, and that a notice to this effect should be placed at each gate, requesting the public to strictly observe the notices. It was further decided that the Gordon Street gate should be opened at 8.30 a.m. each day, and closed at 4.30 p.m.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19010830.2.26&srpos=859&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 801-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11057, 30 August 1901, Page 7 HOCKEY. WELLINGTON v CANTERBURY. The fourth annual interprovincial match between Wellington and Canterbury was played at Sydenham Park yesterday afternoon, and attracted a large number of spectators. The teams were as follows: Wellington (yellow and black) — Goal, Pearson; backs, Ashbolt and Wheeler; halves, Campbell, Weybourne, and Gore; forwards, McKenzie, Davies, Cook, Ruddock, and Smythe. Canterbury (red and black)--Goal, Robson; backs, Strange and Hunter; halves, Oram, Davis, and Blackwell; forwards, Barry, Patrick, Millichamp, Jacobs, and Ford. Mr Burgess was the referee. When play was started Wellington bullied the ball out, and the play was quickly taken into the Canterbury lines, but Oram relieved the tension as a result of a very clever rush. After a hard hit out to the wings, Smythe and Gore brought the ball down the side, and passed to McKenzie, who scored the first goal in favour of Wellington. The play shifted to Wellington's end, and from a scramble Blackwell and Millichamp forced the ball to Jacobs, who, however, failed to score. A feature of the play was the neat and successful passing of the Wellington men. Davis then started a passing rush down to Canterbury's goal, but the danger was averted by Hunter, who promptly knocked the ball out over the line. Further play took place on Wellington's side line in close proximity to their goal. A splendid rush by Smythe, Gore, Ruddock, and Cook, coupled with excellent passing, brought the ball into the centre. Ford and Jacobs thereupon took the ball up, intercepting a corner hit, but Wheeler saved the position. Clever stick play by Miliichamp followed, and an impending goal to Canterbury was saved by Pearson. Shortly after halftime was called. On resuming Wellington quickly forced the play, and took the ball down to Canterbury's goal, but a goal was just missed. Play swung hack again to the centre, only to return, and another attempt by Wellington to hit a goal was frustrated by Robson. After some difficult play Davis scored another goal for Wellington. Play followed in the vicinity of Canterbury's striking circle, but the ball was carried with a rush to Wellington's quarters, only to be passed out by Wheeler. After various rushes and scrambles Barry, who, meanwhile, had been playing an excellent game, scored the first goal for Canterbury. After a time Canterbury started to force the game, and a rush, headed by Barry, Millichamp, and Jacobs ended in the latter scoring another goal for Canterbury. The game, therefore, ended in a tie, each side scoring two goals. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a smoke concert at the Clarendon Hotel. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19010917.2.31&srpos=861&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 801-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11072, 17 September 1901, Page 6 At the Sydenham Borough Council last evening there were present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Crs Forrester, Bowden, Jones, Webb, Smith, Taylor, Hadfield, Johnston, McMeekan, Clifford, and Sim. The Works and Reserves Committee's report recommended the reduction of the Sydenham and Addington United Cricket Club's contribution to the maintenance of its grounds in Sydenham Park to £30, while the club has only 60 members, and the free use of the club's grasscutter and roller. It was provided that the Council should also have one-third of the subscriptions of any members of the club in excess of sixty. The Committee advised that the Rivals Cricket v Club be granted the use of grounds in the Park during the ensuing year on payment of £5 for each wicket used..... http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19011007.2.15&srpos=48&e=------100--1-byDA-on-- 2sydenham+rivals-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11089, 7 October 1901, Page 3 AT SYDENHAM PARK. Some forty members of the Sydenham and Addington Cricket Club took part in the opening match at Sydenham Park and there was also a good gathering of spectators. Afternoon tea was provided by Mrs Jacobs, assisted by Misses Allison (2), and Adams (2). The Engineers' Band played selections during the afternoon. Sides were chosen by A. McMeekan and J. N. Fowke, the latter's team winning by 12 runs. The scores were:— Fowke's team 64 (Ritchie 17, Fowke 9 not out, Lavery 8, Hunsey 7, and H. Jones 5). McMeekan's team 52 (Caygill 10, Savage 10, and Ashby 5). Robson, Kinvig, and Lavery were the most successful bowlers for the winners, and Smith, Malone, and Toomer for the losers. On the same ground the Sydenham Rivals played their first match of the season. The game was between teams picked by the secretary and the treasurer of the club, the treasurer's players defeating their opponents by 69 runs. Scores:— Treasurer's team 126 (W. Grammar 21 retired, Minifie 20 retired, Venables 17, and H. Grammar 14). Secretary's team 56 (Lafferty 15 and Hampton 11). Petrie and W. Grammar bowled well for the winners, as did Lewis, Potter, and Tankard for the losers. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19011127.2.3.6&srpos=879&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 801-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11133, 27 November 1901, Page 1 GRAND MOONLIGHT PROMENADE CONCERT, SYDENHAM PARK, NEXT THURSDAY NIGHT, NOVEMBER 28th, 1901, Given by Derry's Elite and Engineers' Bands. Special Tram leaves square at 7.30 p.m. Entrance by Colombo and Durham street Gates. Commence at 8. Collection at Gates. Como One, Come All, and Enjoy Yourselves in the People's Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19011210.2.31&srpos=883&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 801-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11144, 10 December 1901, Page 3 SYDENHAM. The Sydenham Borough Council met last evening. Present— The Mayor (Mr B. P. Manhire), and Crs. J. Forrester, N. K. Bowden, E. Jones, W. Webb, W. Miller, J. Hadfield, A. McMeekan, A. Smith, A. Clifford, and J. B. Sim...... A letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Day requesting the use of the Park for a volunteers camp about January 20th was read. Cr Miller moved, and Cr Bowden seconded, that the request be granted. The Mayor pointed out that the Works and Reserves Committee had reported that having considered an application from Lieutenant-Colonel Day for the use of Sydenham Park, and the Council's paddock in Colombo street, for an encampment of the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion of Volunteers, about January 20th next, that it could not recommend that the request be acceded to, as the, encampment would probably interfere with the cricket arranged to be played in the Park, but the Committee suggested that the use of the Police Reserve be offered for the purpose. After discussion the Mayor said it was just as well to disabuse councillors' minds if they thought there was any contract with any club regarding the use of the Park. No club or body had any pre-emptive right in the matter. The motion to allow the volunteers to use the Park was eventually carried by 7 votes to 4...... Mr John Hopper wrote with reference to cutting up his land in Dickens street, but until Mr Hopper makes a definite offer in connection with the widening of the street the Committee reported it did not see its way to make any recommendation in reference thereto. This was agreed to...... A request from the City and Suburban Band to be allowed to drill in the Park or the paddock adjoining was discussed, and it was decided to allow the use of the Park three evenings in each week, but not on Sunday morning, as asked...... A letter from Mr F. C. Raphael ,with regard to cricket matters was received; and a deputation consisting of Messrs Ridley, Cederwell, Williams, and Garrard waited on the Council in support of the complaint made of the bad state of the wickets of late in Sydenham Park. It was resolved to inform the deputation that the Council would endeavour to have the matters complained of remedied.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19020610.2.35.2&srpos=933&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 901-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11296, 10 June 1902, Page 5 PROPOSED MEMORIAL AT SYDENHAM. The Mayor of Sydenham (Mr J. B. Sim) recently telegraphed to the Acting-Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) asking whether the Government subsidy towards erecting a permanent memorial of the Coronation would be paid, if the memorial should not be finished when the celebrations took place. A reply has been received to the effect that the subsidy will be paid as soon as the work is completed. The Council decided last night, in accordance with the report of the Coronation Commemoration Committee, that the event shall be commemorated in Sydenham by the erection of a stone drinking fountain opposite the entrance to Sydenham Park, at the corner of Colombo and Brougham streets, and by planting oaks in the Park. The sum of £100 will be placed at the Committee's disposal for that purpose, and they have been given authority to accept designs. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19020809.2.44&srpos=944&e=------100-CHP%2cTS-901- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7476, 9 August 1902, Page 5 DRINKING FOUNTAIN AT SYDENHAM. The overshadowing effects of the celebrations in the city and the earliness of the hour were, no doubt, mainly responsible for the rather sparse assemblage at the gateway to Sydenham Park this morning at half-past nine, when the drinking fountain, one of Sydenham's quota to the list of Coronation memorials, was opened. Among those present, in addition to the Mayor (Mr J. B. Sim) and the Mayoress, were Councillors E. Jones, J. Hadfield, A. Clifford, A. H. Webb and G. W. J. Parsons, Messrs O. Allison (town clerk), B. Throp (borough inspector), W. Jacques (an ex- Mayor), W. M'Gonagle (borough overseer), J. Baldwin (headmaster Sydenham School), T. H. Hughes (headmaster Waltham school) and the Rev E. A. Scott. In addressing those present the Mayor said that they had assembled to take part in a ceremony which was to mark a great event in the history of the nation. The widespread anxiety which had prevailed over the whole of the British dominions since the receipt six weeks ago of the cable message--"King ill, Coronation postponed"--had now lifted, and they were able to rejoice at his Majesty's recovery. As an earnest of the Sydenham Council's desire to celebrate the Coronation, and at the same time supply a long-felt want, it had been decided to erect a drinking fountain. Recognising also the success of municipal concerts, for the furtherance of outdoor music, a band rotunda was to be erected in Sydenham Park. After counselling the youthful members of his audience to take care that the fountain, of which they were shareholders, was not in any way damaged, Mr Sim asked the Mayoress to unveil the fountain the fountain, which bears the inscription:— "1902, Coronation Memorial, King Edward VII., E.R., J. B. Sim, Mayor"— is of Gothic design. The basement is of Port Chalmers stone, the pedestal on which the basin stands is of Peterhead granite, while Aberdeen grey granite columns, with carved Gothic capitals, support a canopy of Waikawa stone, the whole being surmounted by a very ornamental lamp of two strong incandescent burners. After the Mayor had formally declared the fountain open for public use, the National Anthem was sung, Councillor Jones leading off, and the ceremony closed with cheers for the King and Queen and the Mayor and Mayoress. The gathering then entered the Park, where a young oak was planted within a staunch paling fence, the Mayor declaring that the tree was planted in commemoration of the Coronation of King Edward VII. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP19020902.2.20 Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11367, 2 September 1902, Page 4 Ironwork for the Sydenham Park Coronation Band Rotunda is to be supplied by Messrs Hepburn and Soma at a cost of L47 10s. The work of erecting the rotunda will be completed by the Council by day labour. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS19021122.2.69.3&cl=&srpos=0&e=------10-PubMetaTS-21-byDA--- 2%2522eaton+place%2522-all Star , Issue 7564, 22 November 1902, Page 6 SYDENHAM'S CORONATION BAND ROTUNDA. On Wednesday evening last the above Rotunda was opened. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. B. Sim) and a number of Councillors mustered on the Rotunda, and his Worship briefly mentioned the object of its erection, and stated that it was in commemoration of the crowning of King Edward. Later he mentioned that the Elite and Canterbury Engineers Bands had generously given their services, and he hoped that before long residents would he treated to periodical programmes of band music. In conclusion, he paid a genuine compliment to the bands named, and declared the Rotunda opened. A six minutes to 8 o'clock the combined bands, conducted by Conductor D. Blythe (Canterbury Engineers' Band), opened with that old acquaintance "Under the Red Cross," the test march for our Jubilee marching contest. There was no lack of body and weight in some departments, and the old well-worried strain was pleasing to hear. Conductor Duggan (Elite) then opened with a waltz from "The Messenger Boy," Ord Hume's pretty intermezzo "Hypatia" and a dashing march. The Elite Band is making sure progress, and Sergeant Simpson's' B flat cornet parts were remarkably well played. The band did good work, and every praise is due to the members for their readiness in helping the Sydenham Band at the opening of the Coronation Rotunda. The Canterbury Engineers' Band (Conductor, D. Blyth) is always to the fore in general demonstrations, and on Wednesday last there did not appear to be any falling off in its old virtues. The band has quite a host of friends, is backed by a willing and capable set of players, and supporters, and now, with a Rotunda and a widespread desire to hear Conductor Blyth's band often, I predict for it a mild boom. The band deserves every encouragement, and not a bandsman in New Zealand can out-class Mr David Blyth in his whole-souled interest in his band. The band's items were "In Coonland," Unter-Der-Freiheitsbanner," one of T. E. Bulche's waltzes and a rattling polka. It is the bounden duty of the Sydenham Borough Councillors to arrange for regular concerts during the summer, for of a surety, judging by the attendance last Wednesday evening, a mighty majority of the residents would gladly assent to regular music on their handsome Coronation Rotunda. The weather was most unseasonable, and the players received the full bounty of a sou'west wind. This militated against good tone and playing nevertheless, both bands deserve hearty congratulations for their music. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19021216.2.44&srpos=969&e=------100-CHP%2cTS- 901-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11457, 16 December 1902, Page 6 The Elite Band will play a selection of music in the Band Rotunda, Sydenham Park, to-morrow evening. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19030124.2.79&srpos=7&e=--1903-----100--1-byDA-on-- 0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7613, 24 January 1903, Page 6 The residents of Sydenham appreciate the efforts of their Council to provide music on the Band Rotunda, and they ;show it by their attendance. On Wednesday evening, in spite of the Christchurch Rotunda performance by the Garrison Band, a splendid audience assembled at- the Sydenham Park. The Elite Band, under Bandmaster Duggan, played a programme of popular music, which was evidently appreciated by the large gathering present. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP19030205.2.42&e=--1903----- 100--1-byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19030205.2.43&srpos=11&e=--1903-----100--1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LX, Issue 11500, 5 February 1903, Page 5 GREATER CHRISTCHURCH. THE SYDENHAM POLL. AMALGAMATION AGREED TO. THE PROPOSAL CARRIED BY 518 VOTES. The poll to decide whether Christchurch, Sydenham, St Albans and Linwood should in future be consolidated into one municipality or remain separate, has been taken. Sydenham, where the battle has waged fiercely during the pact week or so, yesterday decided in favour of amalgamation. That decision has confirmed the polls taken in St Albans and Linwood, and now all that remains to give effect to the wishes of the burgesses of the different boroughs uniting the presentation by each Council of a petition to his Excellency the Governor, praying that the districts be united, and the issue of his Excellency's proclamation granting the prayer of the petitioning Councils. A larger number voted yesterday at Sydenham on the proposal than voted in the city when the poll was taken on the matter; the Sydenham voters numbering 1373 against 1287 in the city. Sydenham's majority in favour of the proposal was not so large as the city's; in the city the majority was 1129, in Sydenham it was 518. Presuming that the four hundred persons who possessed votes in Sydenham, and the city or the other boroughs, all voted at Sydenham yesterday, there is still a fairly large majority of Sydenham voters in favour of the proposal. The voting in Sydenham yesterday is said to constitute a record at a municipal poll. Last year the number of voted cast at the Mayoral election was about 1000. THE RESULT OF THE POLL. The result of the poll was announced by the Deputy-Returning Officer (Mr Foster) to a fairly large crowd which had assembled in front of the Borough Council Chambers. The result was: For the proposal 939 . Against the proposal 421 A few faint "Hurrahs", greeted the declaration of the poll. The details ot the voting were: Booth, For, Against, lnformal Borough Council Chamber 370, 194, 8 Oddfellows' Hall, Selwyn st, 229, 92, 1 St Saviour's Schoolroom, 150, 64, 3 Waltham Public Library, 190, 71, 2 Totals 939, 421, 13 Majority for the proposal, 518. SPEECH BY THE MAYOR OF SYDENHAM. Shortly after the municipal band concert at Sydenham Park had started, Mr J. B. Sim (the Mayor of Sydenham announced the result of the poll to the large crowd present. After giving the figures, Mr Sim said that Sydenham had had more time to think over the proposal to unite with the city than the other boroughs, and had also had the result of the polls in the other boroughs to think over, and the voters had calmly decided to give up their individuality and join Greater Christchurch. He would like to say a word of appreciation of Mr Wigram's efforts in the matter. Mr Wigram had entered into it with energy and zeal, and had to contend against great difficulties— the apathy and indifference of the people and a great deal of opposition. He had fought the battle fairly and honourably and he (Mr Sim) heartily congratulated him upon his success. He would like to have been able to say the same of everyone who had been connected with the movement, but he was sorry he could not. The newspapers had thought fit to abuse Sydenham's representatives and had belittled the borough— calling it a dunghill, and its representatives upstarts. They had resented such language, and the men who wrote that sort of thing were no more than mobs. He hoped now, however, that all would bury all bitterness and endeavour to make Greater Christchurch what some of its most sanguine advocates hoped it would be— an ideal community. That could only be done by the burgesses taking the same interest in municipal matters as they had shown in the poll that day, and by evincing the came interest in the election of the Councillors of Greater Christchurch. They had the control of Greater Christchurch in their own hands, and could make of it what they desired. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19030210.2.28&srpos=13&e=--1903-----100--1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LX, Issue 11504, 10 February 1903, Page 6 GREATER CHRISTCHURCH CONFERENCE OF MAYORS. A conference took place yesterday between the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr Henry F. Wigram) and the Mayors of Sydenham, S. Albans, and Linwood, with regard to the further steps to be taken to complete the amalgamation of the city and boroughs. The conference was private. It is understood that arrangements have been made for special meetings of the councils of the suburban boroughs to approve their respective petitions to the Governor praying for amalgamation. At last night's meeting of the City Council the Mayor stated the steps which it was proposed to be taken by the suburban councils in reference to the petition to the Governor re the Order-in-Council. He also moved that the seal of the Council be affixed to the petition to be addressed to his Excellency. Cr Gray seconded the motion, which was carried. The Sydenham Borough Council, at a special meeting last night, decided to proceed with a number of works authorised under the loan scheme, chiefly the widening and extending of a number of roads and streets in the borough. The total amount involved is £2010. In addition it was decided to remove the present fence on the Colombo and Brougham street frontages of Sydenham park, with the view of erecting a new fence. A special meeting of the Linwood Council will be held on Thursday night to approve the petition for presentation to the Governor. At the conclusion of the meeting of the City Council last night, at the invitation of the mayor, the members of the Council and of the Greater Christchurch Committee met in the library to celebrate the occasion of the attainment of Greater Christchurch. A number of toasts were proposed and duly honoured. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19030718.2.71.9&srpos=87&e=--1903-----100--1-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7760, 18 July 1903, Page 5 NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL. EXHIBITION GAME. WANDERERS v. IMPERIAL. Two picked teams, representing the Wanderers and Imperial Clubs, played an exhibition game in Sydenham Park, the use of which had been granted by the Sydenham Club. The cold weather interfered with the attendance of the public, but, notwithstanding, there was a very fair muster of spectators, who were treated to a good display of the newly-introduced game. Bushby captained the Wanderers and Gogoll the Imperial's. The latter won the toss, and elected to kick towards the south goal. Right from the bound the players set themselves for a good game. During the first quarter the Imperials gained first point by scoring a behind. Shortly after the Wanderers retaliated, and, by a fine rally, succeeded in equalising matters. So evenly contested was the game, that at half time the scores were even, each still having two points to their credit. Dashing, open play characterised the game throughout. Imperial excelled in handball, whilst their opponents played all round them in ground play. During the third quarter neither side scored, but on the final change of ends Wanderers, by a rush, succeeded in raising the two flags, Donnelly being the scorer. Imperial, however, continued to play well together, and, by a clever combination of passing, succeeded in putting the ball into Chapman's. hands, and this player safely piloted it through the posts. Within a few minutes of time Wanderers were again attacking, when Clark (Imperial), in endeavouring to save his goal, had the misfortune to force the ball behind, and so gave the winning point to Wanderers. The best form on the ground was shown by M'Donnell (Imperial), who played splendidly throughout. He was ably supported by Rawson Denmead, Gogoll, Jones, Hahn and the Morrison brothers. Most conspicuous for wanderers were Ocleshaw, Hawkins, Bushby, Ackerstein, Hartland, M'lntyre, Aurisch and Donnelly. The final scores were Wanderers, 1 goal 3 behinds, 9 points; Imperial, 1 goal 2 behinds, 8 points. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19030829.2.97&srpos=114&e=--1903-----100--101-byDA- on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7796, 29 August 1903, Page 7 THE MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS. I have been favoured with a copy of the programme for the municipal band; concert season of 1803-04. Four bands have been engaged : Woolston, Derry's, Engineers' and Elite. Commencing on October 1 and ending on March 31, 63 performances will be givn, twenty-seven of tjhese being down for Victoria Square and twenty-six for Sydenham Park. The Woolston Band will give fourteen concerts and the others thirteen each. The following are each band's engagements Woolston— Victoria Square : October 1 and 29, November 26 , December 24, January 81, February 18 and March 17. Sydenham : October 14, November 11, December 9, January 6, February 3 and March 2 and 30. Derry's— Victoria Square October 22, November 19, December 17, January 14, February 11 and March 10. Sydenham : October 7, November 4, December 2 and 30, January 27, February 24 and March 23. Engineers'-Victoria Square: October 8, November 5, December 3 and 31, January 28, February 25 and March 24. Sydenham : October 21, November 18, December 16, January 13, February 10 and March 9. Elite— Victoria Square: October 15, November 12, December 10, January 7, February 4 and March 3 and 31. Sydenham : October 28, November 25, December 23, January 20, February 17 and March 16. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19031010.2.68&srpos=6&e=--1903-----10--1---- 0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7832, 10 October 1903, Page 7 BANDSMEN'S COLUMN. (By TROMBONE.) MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS. The following are the arrangements in connection with the municipal band concerts for the month of October:- Date. Place. Band. October 14 Sydenham Park Woolston October 15 Victoria Square Elite October 21 Sydenham Park Engineers' October 23 Victoria Square Derry's October 28 Sydenham Park Elite October 29 Victoria. Square Woolston. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=TS19040130.2.87.1&srpos=1&e=--1903-----10--1---- 0%22sydenham+park%22-- Star , Issue 7923, 30 January 1904, Page 6 MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS. The following are the arrangements in connection with the municipal band concerts for the month of February:- Date. Place. Band. February 3 Sydenham Park. Woolston. February 4 Victoria Square. Elite. February 10 Sydenham Park. Engineers'. February 11 Victoria Square. Derry's. February 17 Sydenham Park. Elite. February 18 Victoria Square. Woolston. February 24 Sydenham Park. Derry's. February 25 Victoria Square. Engineers'. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19040604.2.37&srpos=17&e=------100- LT%2cCHP%2cTS-1-byDA-on--0hockey+antarctic-- Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11911, 4 June 1904, Page 8 HOCKEY. DISCOVERY v SYDENHAM. A hockey match was played at Sydenham Park yesterday afternoon, between teams representing the Discovery and Sydenham. The object of the game was to obtain funds for Nurse Maude’sConsumptive Sanatorium, and the Children's Aid Society. There was a good attendance of the public, and a large number of people watched the match, without paying, through the park fence. Although Captain Scott modestly stated, after the game had proved a draw, that the result was mainly due to the kindness of the opposing team, and especially of the referee, the sides were very evenly matched. The Discovery men, some of whom gained their first knowledge of the game on the Antarctic ice, easily outclassed their opponents by their clean and vigorous hitting and good fielding, while the Sydenham team, who were a good deal lighter, had the advantage in science and activity. Harrington, for Sydenham made a rush, Quartly saving. Discovery then attacked, and Lieutenant Mulock had an unsuccessful shot at goal. After some fast play Hulbert shot a goal for Sydenham, and a little later Discovery were awarded a free hit, and Evans shot a goal. Hulbert scored again soon afterwards for Sydenham and after a rush by Royds and Evans, for the Discovery, Sydenham gave a corner, and Royds hit a goal. In the second spell Sydenham had to give corner, after varying play, and Royds shot a splendid goal. A good rush on the part of Sydenham resulted in Jacobs scoring. Later fast play, in which Joyce, Mulock, and Evans were conspicuous, nearly brought about a score for Discovery. Sydenham attacked again, but Skelton saved by good hitting. Sydenham made another rush, but shot over the posts, and the game ended with three goals on each side. Mr Walter Johnson was referee. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=MEX19040808.2.19.11&srpos=257&e=--1903-----100--201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 182, 8 August 1904, Page 2 Christchurch, August 8, A man named Hervey Sunbeam, a native of India, aged 70, in felling a tree at Sydenham Park on Saturday was crushed by it falling on him. He was taken to the hospital, where he died last night. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19040809.2.39&srpos=269&e=--1903-----100--201- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11957, 9 August 1904, Page 8 At an inquest held yesterday by the Coroner into the death of Henry Sunbeam, Frank Corelett deposed that on Saturday last he was felling a pine tree in Sydenham Park. The deceased was gathering up the chips when the tree fell and struck deceased. Just as it began to shift, watchers called to deceased, to "Look out." He did not move, but the top branches struck him. The tree was about 3ft 6in in diameter and over 60ft high. A little boy was with the deceased. Henry Sunbeam, deceased's son aged 12, gave similar evidence. Dr. Crooke deposed as to the injuries the deceased suffered, and the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19050117.2.4&srpos=19&e=------100-LT%2cCHP%2cTS- 1-byDA-on--0hockey+antarctic-- Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12094, 17 January 1905, Page 2 A TALK WITH CAPTAIN SCOTT. HIS ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCES .....When asked what he found the best preventive against being wearied or even bored by the sameness of everything amid all the hardships that had to be undergone, Captain Scott replied: "Routine, a fixed order of life, regular work, regular play, regular meals, regular hours, regular everything. It helps to check the days off. We played hockey and football a good deal, walked, ran ski-races, and under cover, chess and cards, and games of that kind. The men read a great deal. Some of them were very fond of Darwin's 'Origin of Species,' and Fitchett's histories. Sailors are thoughtful men, and are really interested in thoughtful books." http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=CHP19050817.2.7.1&srpos=410&e=--1903-----100--401- byDA-on--0%22sydenham+park%22-- Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12273, 17 August 1905, Page 3 TREES IN SYDENHAM PARK. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, — Is there no power of appeal against the sinful destruction of trees that is still going on in Sydenham Park? A year ago I raised my voice against the wicked idiocy of destroying fine trees until there were others to take their place; but the ruthless work continues, and not only have the splendid pines on the South side of the Park been felled, but sycamores of 25 or 30 years growth have also gone, leaving a full view of a hideous galvanised iron fence. I am told that the reason for this wanton destruction is that the authorities desire to lay out a straight path along the South side of the Park, and that these trees interfered with its direct line! May the ghost of Ruskin haunt the vandals who prefer a straight path and an iron fence to finely grown, if somewhat irregular trees.— Yours, etc.. DENDRON. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=CHP19200517.2.49.3 Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16836, 17 May 1920, Page 7 AT SYDENHAM PARK. PARADE OF BOY AND GIRL SCOUTS. Under most favourable conditions a fine parade of the. Dominion Boy Scouts and of New Zealand Girl Scouts was inspected by the Prince of Wales at Sydenham Park yesterday afternoon. Final arrangements for the function were only made on Saturday, but, nevertheless, there was an excellent turn-out numerically, but owing to the impossibility of getting troops in from the country districts, the total was not so great as on Friday. Of officers and Scouts there was at Sydenham Park yesterday a total of over 400. The whole parade was under Captain D. C. W. Cossgrove, Deputy Commissioner. There were also present: — Lieut.-Colonel D. Cossgrove, Chief Commissioner for New Zealand: Mrs Cossgrove (head of the New Zealand Girl Scouts); District Commissioner D. M. Drown, Scoutmaster G. Woods (representing Rev. P. Carrington, of No. 2 District), Chief-Scoutmaster Marlow, assistant secretary No. 2 District, and Chief-Scoutmaster Froggatt, No. 2 District (in charge of the Haka squad). The parade was drawn up in the form of a hollow square, in the vicinity of the band rotunda, and faced west. On the extreme right of the square were the Girl Peace Scouts, the extreme left being occupied by the Bull Pups. In the middle, in front were the King's Standard-bearer with bodyguard of four, and nine troop standard-bearers; next came the Sydenham Scout Band, and behind the band was the Haka squad. The Prince and staff entered from the western gate in Brougham street, reaching the parade ground at 3.15 p.m., the Mayor and Mayoress (Dr and Mrs Thacker) having preceded the Prince and his party. His Royal Highness was received by Lieut.-Colonel Cossgrove, and the parade welcomed the Prince with the Royal salute. The Prince, accompanied by Lieut.-Colonel Cossgrove, then inspected the parade, showing much interest in the badges worn by the boys, and making enquiry regarding them. The Scoutmistresses and Scoutmasters were presented to the Prince, who shook hands with them. The Prince also took the opportunity to thank Chief Scontmasters Froggatt, Olds, and Richardson, and Scoutmasters K. Dyer and Aldwin, who have been on duty at the Royal residence, and at the Prince's room at King Edward Barracks. The inspection concluded, the parade gave the Dominion Rally, the haka portion being given lustily. Then the Bull Pups gave the powhiri, the Maori welcome, and their piping voices were heard strongly in the "Haeremai" portion of the welcome. Just before the Prince left the parade at Captain Cossgrove's call, put their scout hats on the ends of their staves, and gave ringing cheers, while waving their for the Prince, who drove off the parade ground to the cheers of the large number of adults who were interested spectators of the proceedings. The little function lasted ten minutes. Before the Prince left he told Lieut Colonel Cossgrove that he was very greatly pleased at having had an opportunity of seeing the Scouts, and that he was very greatly pleased with their appearance. His Royal Highness added that on his return to London he would have great pleasure in telling Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Chief Scout, that the Scouts of Christchurch were an exceedingly smart lot. The Prince also expressed much interest in the Girl Peace Scouts. Lieut- Colonel Cossgrove informing his Royal Highness that the New Zealand Girl Peace Scouts was the parent organisation of the Girl Guides of England. Before the parade was dismissed Lieut-Colonel Cossgrove and Captain Cossgrove thanked the scoutmistresses and scoutmasters for their assistance in making the display such a success. Following is a list of the troops on parade:— GIRL PEACE SCOUTS. Troop, Scout-Mistress, Parade State. Spreydon— Carney 13 Sydenham— Odering 16 Opawa— Willis 11 St. Luke's— O'Rorke 11 St. Mark's— Sergt Pleasance 17 BOY SCOUTS. No. 1 DISTRICT. Troop, Scout-Master, Parade State. Merivale (The Colonel's Own) — Leader Robinson 5 Avonside (Lady Liverpool's Own) — Richardson 14 Linwood— Richardson 12 Sydenham Scout Band— Cairns 20 St Albans, Addington, Shirley— Smith 24 North Linwood— Borman 11 Radley— Corley 9 Lincoln road— Hitchings 11 Riccarton— Paulger 9 East Belt— Olds 13 Sydenham— Robinson and Hunnibell 4 NO. 2 DISTRICT. St. Oswald's— Porto 6 St. Stephen's— Lee 8 Si. Luke's— Rich and Kemp 8 Opawa— Sergt Williams 17 St. James— Aldridge 8 St. Saviour's— Gee and F. Woods 18 BULL PUPS. NO. 1 DISTRICT. Merivale 4, East Belt 6, Linwood 1, North Linwood 1, Lincoln road 2, Oxford terrace 3. NO. 2. DISTRICT. St. Saviour's 4, St. Matthew's 1, St. Mark's 2. The Bull Pups wore under Scoutmaster Keith Dyer, and the troop leaders were A. Kent and E. Hay. Inside the Brougham street entrance to the Park, the boys and girls from the Nazareth Home were drawn up, and cheered the Prince as his car entered the Park. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19281116.2.53&srpos=600&e=------100--501-byDA-on-- 0%22band+rotunda%22+sydenham-- Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 112, 16 November 1928, Page 8 Egg Thrown at a Speaker. A young man threw an egg at Mr. E. J. Howard while he was addressing a meeting of electors at the band rotunda, Sydenham Park, on Tuesday evening (states the "Lyttelton Times"). The egg missed Mr. Howard, and hit a lady standing near, doing considerable damage to her clothes. The young man's efforts to hide himself in the crowd were unavailing, and in an instant angry witnesses of the action had formed a knot round him, demanding an explanation. His strenuous denials that he threw the egg were not believed by the crowd. Eventually, seeing a chance, the young man broke away and dashed off across Sydenham Park, with a largo number of the crowd in full cry after him. However, he proved too speedy, and disappeared through the gateway, throwing from his pocket, as he ran, incriminating evidence in the shape of two more eggs. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi- bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=AS19390520.2.73.3&srpos=9&e=--1903-----10--1---- 0%22sydenham+park%22-- Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 11 [photo] CHRISTCHURCH LOOKS AFTER PENSIONERS. Pensioners cottages facing Sydenham Park, which are nearing completion. They have been built by the Christchurch City Council.