PRINCE EDWARD PARK

Franklin Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 71, 28 June 1943, Page 4

PRINCE EDWARD PARK

SPORTS BODIES’ REQUEST LEASE OF FIVE YEARS A deputation from Papakura sports bodies waited on the Papakura Borough Council at its meeting last week with a request that the council lease Prince Edward Park to the Amateur Athletic Club and the Rugby League Football Club combined for a period of five years with a right of renewal. The deputation comprised Messrs Les McVeigh, S. Heron. F. Johns, A. Lewis, A. Hill and T. Bartlett.

The various speakers pointed out that they had considerable money available to spend on buildings and laying out work, but required some security of tenure before spending any money on many needed improvements that were necessary for the successful running of the sports of the two clubs. IT was also stressed that the youth of the town and district should be well catered for in the realm of sport. These young men should not be left to drift and good organised sport must be provided for them. Another point made by the deputation was that Papakura was important enough now to have a ground sufficiently well laid out for both clubs, so that it would encourage the best athletes and best football teams to visit Papakura. The Mayor, Mr S. Evans, said that the council had spent a considerable amount of money on the park, and that tlie council had always been in favour of encouraging sport in reason. but there arose the question, what about the rights of ratepayers? Would it be right to hand over full powers lo the two clubs by giving them a five year lease? A better way. said Mr Evans, would be for the council to be represented on the committee. of control by having say the Mayor and chairman of the works committee represenfed on it. The deputation was promised that Ihe matter would come before the Domain Board for discussion before any decisions were reached. It was suggested to the deputation that it

submit lo the council a more or less concrete type of lease for its perusal.