ATHLETIC GROUNDS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18675, 26 April 1926, Page 12

ATHLETIC GROUNDS.

OPENED AT SUMNER. known as St. Leonard's Park, Sumnor, were declared open on Saturday afternoon by the Mayor anil Mayoress of Sumner, Mr and Mrs' W. H. Nicholson, in the prcssnce of a iargo gathering of residents and representatives of tho local sports bodies. Addressing Tho enlarged and remodelled grounds those present from outside tho gatos, Mr Nicholson said that the work undertaken liad consisted of clearing tho boundaries of tho big pine trees, taking in a back road and some vacant sections, levelling, top-droning, and Bowing, and the erection of the gatos, which had beon secured through tho valuable assistance given by Mr Wood, of Fcndalton. In tho past a large area stretching from Wakefield avenuo to Hoberdcn avenue had been offored to a previous Council as a eporta ground, but refused by tho overniodest local authority. In later years tho old grounds had proved too email, and tho ratepayers had urged tho raising of a loan. He thanked them for their interest in such an important matter. Mr J. McCombs, M.P., who was present, congratulated the residents upon acquiring a sports ground. It was unfortunate that tho Borough had been so poorly provided with such areas, but that was duo to the fact that Sumner in tho early days had been set down on tho Englisli-mado plans as a borough of- Lyttelton. This had looked all right on paper and had been good for Lyttelton. He waa glad to seo that the n.-istaiko waa being rectified, and he wishod those who used the grounds would do so for tho credit of Sumner.

Mr C. M. lioswoll, tho president of the Sumner United S porta Association, congratulated tho district, and urged tho various club members to remember that 3t was their duty to protect tlieir ov;n property. Mr W. H, Jackson referred to the sreat benefits tho pupils of tho District High School would reap from such a playing area, and on their behalf thanked all who had assisted in the improvements. Mrs Nicholson was then presented hy tho staff of tho Borough Council with a gold key, and asked by tho Mayor to tinlock the gates. In doing so, tho Mayoress expressed tho hope that the grounds would be a source of health and pleasure to tho residents for generations to come.' The ceremony was followed by a Rugby match between Sumner and Kaiapoi, the latter winning by 20 points to nil. During the afternoon special seating accommodation waa provided for the publio and' a prograinmo of music contributed by the Sumner Marine Bandt