SUNDAY TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 277, 22 November 1934, Page 8

SUNDAY TENNIS.

CITY RESERVES.

COUNCIL RELAXES BY-LAW. NINE VOTES TO FIVE. By nine votes to five, the Auckland City Council, at a special meeting this afternoon, confirmed an amendment to Auckland City by-law Xo. 1, the effect of which is to permit tennis to be played on city reserves on Sundays.

The section of the original by-law is amended by the addition of the following words: "Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall prevent any person with the written permission of the council from playing any approved game on a Sunday on a public park or reserve which is laid out exclusively as a playing area." The acting-Mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, said that in order to have on record how councillors voted, he would have their names recorded. The voting was as follows on the motion that the clause be struck out: — For: Messrs. Donaldson, Coyle, Burton, Entrican, Miss Melville. Against: Messrs. Yarnall, Takle, Bailey, Bloodworth, Coaklev, Saycgh, Andcrton, Grey Campbell, l'helan. Councillors' Views. Mr. D. Donaldson gave as his reason for the clause being struck out the fact that the decision to have the by-law amended had been made on the easting

vote of the Mayor. Miss E. Melville said it was usual for the casting vote of the Mayor only to be given for the status quo. Oil this occasion the Mayor had used his casting vote to alter the existing state of affairs. Mr. M. J. Coyle said he had consistently opposed the playing of games on

Sunday 011 public reserves. "I am sick to death of the whole thing,"' said Mr. L. J. Coaklev. He added that it would be found that there were thirteen councillors for tin new by-law and ten against. Mr. G. Grey Campbell said he would support the new by-law because, under the wording of the clause, the council still retained the power to approve or disapprove of any application. Mr. H. P. Burton said he had oedii consistent throughout the controversy. "I will fight it to the last ditch," lie added. Victoria Park's Position. Mr. C. Bailey raised the question of Victoria Park. Where did it come in under the by-law? He said that clubs, which were corporate bodies, were to make application for the Windmill Road courts and the Cox's Creek courts. What was the position of individual members of the public who desired to play on Victoria Park? Would they have to make separate application ?

Miss Melville said that according to the by-law everybody who wanted to play would have to make application. It would not be a question of the clubs applying.

Mr. A. J. Entrican said that they would have to seek legal advice. "You have passed the by-law now," he added.

Mr. W. T. Anderton: Let them come down and play. It will be for the council to take what action is necessary.