RUGBY OR LEAGUE?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 69, 23 March 1937, Page 9

RUGBY OR LEAGUE?

OTAHUHU FOOTBALL GROUND LIVELY COUNCIL DISCUSSION. A spirited discussion on the allocation of the Sturges Park football ground for the coming five years took place at the meeting of the Otahuhu Borough Council last evening. Last year the council had accepted the terms of the Rugby Union for a percentage of the gate for 12 months, with the right for a renewal for five years. The council had anticipated a return of at least £75, .but owing to the adverse weather conditions the amount received did not come up to expectations.

Last night a tender was received from the Rugby League, suggesting a rental of £30 per annum, plus 33 1-3 per cent of the gross takings, less amusement tax, with a minimum guarantee of £55. The League offered to play at least four senior A grade matches and the 12 senior B grade matches on the park, the rest of the games to be first-class junior matches.

The tender from the Rugby Union was the same as last year, with the addition of a clause guaranteeing a minimum return to the council, but the amount of the guarantee was not disclosed.

When the matter w«« dealt with a special committee consisting of the Mayor (Mr. /C. R. Petrie) and Messrs. P. W. Grey and A. Murdoch, retired from the meeting to discuss the matter In committee, much to the disappointment of a number of Rugby league supporters who were present.

Oft resuming in open council the Mayor stated that the council had no option but to renew the lease with the Rugby Union according to the terms of last year's agreement. Legal advice confirmed this opinion. The sub-com-mittee had agreed to the terms subject to a. minimum guarantee. t_.

On being put to the meeting the report of the sub-committee was carried, and the ground leased to the Rugby Union for a period of five years.