PARSONS IN THE PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1926, Page 10

PARSONS IN THE PARK.

GIVING TONE TO FOOTBALL. BUT "PAY AS YOU ENTER." WHAT THEY DO IN AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") CHRISTCHURCH, this day. By a narrow margin, the executive of the Canterbury Rugby League has decided that ministers of religion must pay to enter Monica Park to witness matches. At a meeting of the League last night, the chairman (Mr. W. Cole), stated that the board of control of the park had recommended that clergymen of all denominations be admitted free. "I'm against that," said Mr. Kirton, "I don't remember the executive having agreed to it." Another member, who disagreed with the proposal, said he did not think they expected to get a free pass to the next world, so why to Monica Park? The chairman said he had favoured the granting of free passes when the matter had come up at the meeting of the board of control and he still favoured it. Mr. McQuillan: In Auckland, all clergymen get free passes. The chairman: Tt adds tone to the thing to see clergymen there. Mr. Healey said he was opposed to the proposal, because players not engaged in matches had to pay. Mr. Boyns: The board of control may have the idea that the presence of clergymen will lift the atmosphere a little bit. It might help to keep spectators in order, so I will vote for "the parsons" motion. "That this centre cannot agree to the beard's recommendation for free admissions for clergymen." was carried by a narrow- margin.