ASSOCIATION GAME.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15268, 3 May 1915, Page 4

ASSOCIATION GAME.

OPENING OF ENGLISH PARK

Tho Canterbury Football Association's new ground in Cranford street received its baptism on Saturday, when proceedings opened with a com io. match Let ween teams representing Millers aud Sweeps. The game was, however, taken too seriously, and the comedy olemonfc whs somewhat. , conspicuously lacking.' Tho result was a draw—no score.

Tlio Mayor, after a few preliminary remarks'by the president. Mr English, made a short speech and officially declared the ground to bo open. Ho first of all specially complimented MiEnglish and the Association generally upon the. vast improvement which had been effected since- lie had visted tho ground some six months ago. For this improvement they were, lie knew, greatly indebted to tho splendid efforts put forth by their president:. Mr R. English, and also to Mr Field, who had done n very great deal ot : work upon the ground. They had there a beautiful spot which wa s susceptible of great improvement, and, so far a,s h< , was concerned, he thought ho could promise them that ho would induce the Council to interest itself in improving and decorating the banks of the beautiful stream which flowed through their ground. Tf that -were done properly, they would have there a real beauty spot, of which any city and any eports organisation could bo proud At tho present time. as all knew, tho Eirpiro was at war, and it was to that Empire that every citizen's first duty lay.- But till they could volunteer, or if they had reasons which prevented them "fiom volunteering, tho players of the game should continue their pastime, and by its means keep themselves fit and "clean "sports" in the best sense of the word. Ho was glad to know that Association players iad volunteered in largo numbers. In conclusion, tha Mayor said that h.o had been asked to name tie new ground. Hβ could thiak of no more fitting narao for it to beaj- than the name of their president, who had worked so hard for its success. He would therefore name the ground "English Park." This announcement- was greeted with enthusiastic cheers on all sides, after ■which tho first "genuine match of the season was played.