FOOTBALL GROUNDS. THE PETONE RESERVE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 35, 11 February 1908, Page 2

FOOTBALL GROUNDS. THE PETONE RESERVE.

A deputation from the Wellington Rugby Union last night waited upon the Pelorie Borough Council to discuss upon what terms the "union would be allowed to tako over the Recreation CJiound during the coming football season. The union was represented by Messrs. S. Browi and Murray, who were of the opinion that the sum of £2W t asked for 'was excessive. According to Mr. Brown the union had to make all tho money possible in order to provide for tho grounds of the future. It was not a wealthy body, and was prepared to meot the council on terms based on last year's figures. Councillor Coles considered that the union might be persuaded to lease the Recreation Ground at a rental of J3llO per annum for a period of ten years. Councillor Short thought the union was blauding in its own light in not accepting the council's term of £200. If managed judiciously, he considered that the ground would bring in" to 1 tho union gro?s receipts amounting to £600.' _ /• \, , Councillor. Coles nidved that the -union be granted the use of the grovnd on the same terms as last year. He was supported by Councillor Castle. ' . Councillor Short opposed the motion and moved an amendment that -the grounds bo leased <f or fivbi yoai'js'at _tho to'luv.-hirr rate:— '£lso fjrst year, £160 secoart year, £170 third year, £180 fourth, year, and £200 fifth year; with fight of renewal. ' After further discussion the amendment lapsed, and the motion was subsequently carried. - J Addressing the delegates, the Mayor baid that' the council was anxions to help the union in every way. After April next the council would be ,in tho position to give a lease of the giound to the Rugby Union or any other t athlelic body. The union "would then mako tho Recreation' Ground pay a good daaJ batter than it had done' in thfe past. Th.6 Government ought to bo approached to run a special football train to Pet'dne oil Saturday, a fare of sixpence would be ample in' view of the large number cf people who would journey out to Pc- , tone. Also, there was the possibilities of a ferry service the season after next. Several matters of detail were then gone into. With reference to the methods of ingtes3 and egress tho Mayor stated that the ratepayers were being asked to authorise a ban for improvements to the Recreation Ground." Should tho loan be sanctioned,! the various entrances would be consideiod.