250 Shut Out Of Test

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31162, 12 September 1966, Page 14

250 Shut Out Of Test

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 11. The failure of spectators on the suspended terrace to clear aisles leading to the front of the terrace caused about 250 people to be shut out of Eden Park on Saturday.

The gates giving access to the public terrace were closed at 2.20 p.m., 10 minutes before the start of the fourth test between New Zealand and the British Isles. They were not opened until just after half-time.

In spite of three requests over the public address system that the aisles be cleared, there was still room at the front of the terraces when the police advised gate-keep-ers not to let any more spectators into the ground. About 200 to 250 people were not able to get in. “I have heard a suggestion that 3000 people were locked

out,” said the secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union, (Mr. L. F. Warren.) “But from talking to gate-keepers. I am sure there was only a dribble of people in ones and twos who were trying to get in when we closed the gates. “The gates were closed because the police said the aisles were jammed tight already, and newcomers would not be able to see the game.” On the big terrace, the crowd booed two of the announcements asking them to move closer together.

They also staged regular “wars”, throwing paper, fruit peelings and even large oranges at each other. A group who attempted to display a large Union Jack became a special target for fruit peelings. About 200 people waited in the rain overnight outside the terrace gates in Cricket Avenue. Some of them who got into the ground through other entrances were removed by a night watchman. More than 5000 people were queued up when the gates opened, but good viewing

spots were available until 1.30 p.m. After the match, thousands of people swarmed across the field to sing “Auld Lang Syne” and “Now is the Hour,” and to hear the usual end-of-tour speeches.