hazlehead public park opening

MANSION HOUSE AS CAFE. The members of the Links and Parks Committee of the Aberdeen Town Council and officials last night were the guests of Mr J. D. Allan at the "house-warming" dinner at Hazlehead Cafe. Those present were - Baillie Graham, Dean of Guild Holmes, Councillors Thomson (convener of the committee), Young, Todd, Macintosh, Wright, Roberts, McKenzie, and Catto, and Messrs W. Clark, parks superintendent; J. Walker, and A. Hendry. An apology for absence was intimated from the Lord Provost. Mr Allan presided, and said that Hazlehead would be a valuable asset to the citizens and if connected with the tramways after the present crisis would no doubt be a great success. Councillor Thomson said they could take a pride in their estate. They were all of the opinion, he was sure, that Mr Allan had done exceedingly well in the opening of the refreshment rooms. Some three years ago he came across Mr Allan for the first time - he was the most modest of men - when he erected one of the refreshment "shanties " at the beach. He was not there many weeks before everything was spick and span. The Council felt they had got the right tenant. It was the sincere wish of all that Mr. Allan would receive a fair return for his energies, and for what he had spent on Hazlehead House. He felt sure Mr Allan would cater well for the needs and requirements of thecitizens who visit Hazlehead. There was no man more capable than the present tenant.

Facilities for Recreation. In Hazlehead they had given the citizens one of the greatest assets that ever the Corporation of Aberdeen had given them. They had tried to meet the demands of sport and games and amusements. They used to be twitted that they were doing too much for football and other games. He did not think so. By their providing facilities for sport they prevented the young men from standing about street corners grousing during these days of shorter hours. He hoped the Council would give every facility for sport. He wished Mr Allan every success, and was confident he would do well. Baillie Graham said Mr Allan would have every opportunity making good at Hazlehead. Three-fourths of the large numbers of people who visited Hazlehead were from the east end of the city, and now that the Council had taken over the estate for the community, that number of visitors would be greatly increased. Councillor Macintosh expressed the hope that the Links and Parks Committee would give them a golf course at Hazlehead. They could have as good a course there as anywhere in the country. He had, like the convener and Baillie Gray, confidence in Mr Allan. Dean of Guild Holmes and Councillor Wright also spoke and wished Mr Allan success in his undertaking. Mr Allan said he would do his utmost to make Hazlehead a success. (Applause.) The house has been reconditioned, and has a spick-and-span appearance. There are three public sitting-rooms and a shop, while tables are also to be set on a spacious lawn in front of the house. During the summer months the cafe will undoubtedly be a very popular attraction at Hazlehead. Source : The Aberdeen Daily Journal Friday April 29th, 1921