“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30482, 2 July 1964, Page 12

“The Press” In 1864

July 2. THE CANTERBURY CRICKET CLUB Sir, —An arrangement <. was entered into in 1859 between the then Provincial Government and a number of gentlemen who were interested in establishing cricket Canterbury' upon a sound and . improving basis. The Government proposed a lease for seven years, ata nominal rental, of a part of Hagley Park extending from the Riccarton road to the reserve running along Mr Washbourne's fence on the west and bounded by the Creek on the south, containing between 10 and 11 acres. ... Seeing that great public amusement has been afforded by the matches played on the ground since the formation of the Club, repeatedly evinced by the large attendances

on anniversary and other public holidays—to say nothing of the All-Eng-iand Match of this year—the members of the Club think that in any case the enterprise, labour, and expense bestowed upon this, in their opinion, important object, is at least deserving of tolerance, noninterference, and an absence of hostility on the part of whatever Government may be in power. Within the last few weeks however, it appears that a suggestion has been made by the Public Works Office, to the effect that it would be desirable that the Club give facility for planting the reserve, commencing at a distance of one chain from Mr Washboume’s fence, and extending one chain into the ground, as now laid down. The effect of this will be to render that part of the ground now in use utterly un-

available for purposes of cricket . . . The Club, having been strongly impressed with the importance of extending the levelled part of the ground, in order to provide greater facilities for practice without encroaching upon the match ground, has lately made provision for meeting this additional outlay, and is naturally anxious to obtain an extended term before expending the money in such improvements. The Club has been informed by the Public Works Department that this proposal will not be entertained . . . We appeal to you. and to all friends of Canterbury not to allow a great and manly game as well as a valuable public amusement to be thrust aside by persons who are unable or who have no taste to appreciate the game.—A MEMBER.