Raceways Failed In Their Purpose

Press, Volume C, Issue 29608, 2 September 1961, Page 9

Raceways Failed In Their Purpose

“We agree that the embankment was not as well filled for the Rugby test against the French team as it was in 1959 and this was disappointing in view of the new raceways erected this year. We expected that the raceways would provide better access for spectators

to thinly packed sections, and in some cases they did so; but in others the raceways themselves jammed early and thus failed in their purpose," said Mr H. C. Blazey, president of the Canterbury Rugby Union, commenting on the article printed above.

“In one respect, at least, we already follow the methods used at Hampden Park. Our police are of great assistance in keeping all access ways clear as late as possible, and they are assisted by our own staff and by members of the Army Signals Corps, equipped with walkie-talkie radios.

“One practical improvement mentioned in the article, in my opinion anyway, is the provision of a gallery running along the back of the embankment, and this is one of the proposals now being considered by the board. One of our obvious problems on the day of the tert was that the stairways quickly filled, due to spectators crowding the small platforms and narrow openings on to the embankment. I believe, too, that a gallery with numerous openings would help to resolve Ute problem. ‘‘lt is apparent from aerial photographs that the area in front of the scoreboard was sparsely filled because of difficulty of access and the proposed gallery would assist in this section also. “Both the union and the board have given some consideration to preselling the embankment by ticket. There are some problems of distribution, nong of which are insuperable, I believe. In particular they involve spectators from other parts of New Zealand, but provision could be made for them through their respective unions in future, if this work was organised early enough. I think preselling of the embankment is a desirable development and I am sure that the two organisations concerned will give it serious consideration as soon as some of the problems are ironed out.

“Both the board and the union appreciate the constructive comments from The Press,’ particularly the specific information regarding crowd control at Hampden Park,” said Mr Blazey.