ACCOMMODATION AT LANCASTER PARK

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22197, 14 September 1937, Page 13

ACCOMMODATION AT LANCASTER PARK

TO TBI (DITOB O* TUB PBBSS. Sir,—On September 4 at 1 o'clock I paid 2s 6d to get into the ground to see the test match. The loud speaker fellow said there was plenty of room. I have been on big football grounds in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and all over England, and never failed to see a game. Seeing a football game is not seeing the footballer's heads now and again, and seeing the ball up in the air now and again. There were 10,000 on Lancaster Park the same day who were in that position. I remember quite well the football disaster at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, when England played Scotland in 1902. Twenty-four persons were killed and 25 seriously injured. I left Lancaster Park before the game started. I did not intend being treated like a sheep. I asked the Rugby Union if it would give me two passes for the bank, but it seems it does not care. Has there to'be a football disaster in New Zealand before the Rugby Union provides for the safety and comfort of a big crowd. On the big football grounds in England the late comers are not allowed to rush the.ground; the club officials see to that and the clubs own their own grounds. On September 4 it was a disgraceful sight, and I do not wish to see it again.—Yours, etc., W. WINSTANLEY. September 13, 1937. TO THB EDITOS 09 TB> FBISS. Sir.—l read Hervey Hamilton's letter in "The Press" of Friday. He has my sympathy. I got in at 12 noon, and stood until the match finished. I was in the crowd that was surging all the time, and enjoyed every minute, as the crowd was good-natured, and took it as part of the game. I stood on many bottles (empties) and got rid of them when I could. Let someone else have a share. Never thought of flre, as we were packed so tight I could not get my pipe out to have a smoke. Many ladies were in the crowd, and took it in good spirit. (No complaints.^ When either side scored, what a surge! A pity Hervey Hamilton was not with us: Who could stop the children doing as they wished? (Only young once.)- They were enjoying 'themselves. I have never played football, but enjoy seeing it. I am over 60, and wish I could get my head down in the scrum sometimes. I did enjoy the match, and wish all footballers good luck. I did also enjoy the first two a,fter the garne.Yours, et HALF . DOLLAR BANKER. September 13, 1937.