Rugby Park Grandstand Destroyed By Fire

In one of the most spectacular fires seen in the district for some time, the grandstand at Rugby Park was completely destroyed on the evening of March 4. Four engines from the Gisborne Fire Brigade fought the blaze, and engines were called in from Patutahi and Manutuke. But the big building was ablaze from end to end when the brigade arrived, and with the flames fanned by a brisk westerly breeze, no effort was possible which could save it.

Next morning only a heap of smouldering wreckage remained of the fine old building, which was built in the early years of this century for the Gisborne Park Racing Club, and taken over by the Rugby Union in the early 1950's. With the construction of a first-class rugby football field in 1955, Rugby Park was opened in July of that year, and ever since has been the venue for all first-class matches in the district.

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Immediate Replacement Planned. With the Springboks' opening game scheduled for June 30 at Gisborne, a decision was taken while the ashes were still warm to rebuild immediately. The old building was insured for £22,000.

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The scene next morning, showing the remains of the stand beyond a stack of temporary seating.

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A few kauri timbers were all that was left of the once-proud building. Beyond can be seen the Gisborne Park Golf Club's pavilion, which began to smoulder at the height of the blaze, and had to be hosed down to prevent it igniting.

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