NEW FOOTBALL GROUND.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 227, 22 September 1920, Page 8

NEW FOOTBALL GROUND.

RESERVE Hr STAMXET STREET. AUCKLAND LEAGUE'S VENTURE. ITj© Auckland Rugby League hae now acquired the playing ground for which it has been negotiating for some considerable time. Last evening the Auckland Hospital Board granted the League the lqaeo of the land now occupied by a Chinese gardener. The property, six acres in area, is situated in Stanley Street, immediately adjoining tie Domain, and the rental, on renewable Glasgow lease, has been fixed at £140 a year for the first four years, and £320 a year for the balance of the first twentyone years. The League has undertaken to put in a storm-water drain to the satisfaction of the City Englincer, the cost being estimated at £700. It will scarcely be possible to get this ground into playing order by the beginning of next season, as the present occupier cam not shift immediately, and much work will bo necessary. There is sufficient space for two playing areas, with terraces for spectators and provision for a capacious grandstand. The stand itself can scarcely be erected till the present building restrictions are lifted. It will be necessary to form the ground and do considerable work to it before it is fit for play, and the Leagu/ is anticipating nn expenditure of fully £2000 before the reserve will be opened as a League football ground. The main entrance, with furnstiles to the ground, will be by Oillinpham Street, just past the Parnell railway bridge, and an auxiliary pntrnnee will give access from the Domain. The Leajrue has long been pressing for a ground of its own to aid its development of the and it now anticipates a more rapid progress as it is now well on the way towards possession of a ground of its own where it will be able to stage its big matches without the anxiotv of being dependent upon outside frrminds. The new "area will be open to the public as a park, except on the days when it i« being used for League football matches, and the local committee of management is satisfied that it has tnken a sound step in acquiring this revenue-producing property.