HOKITIKA SUNDAY FOOTBALL NOT FAVOURED

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 July 1946, Page 10

HOKITIKA SUNDAY FOOTBALL NOT FAVOURED

BOROUGH COUNCIL AND LEAGUE (C.C.) HOKITIKA, July 18. Following the ■ playing of League football matches on Cass square on a recent Sunday, members of the Hokitika League Football Club waited on. the Hokitika Borough Council last evening to seek permission to play football on the council’s ground on. Sundays. A motion that permission be granted was defeated in favour of an amendment that the council advise the club that it had no power to prohibit football on Cass square on Sundays, but it could not view the proposal with favour. Explaining the reason for wanting to play on Sundays, Mr W. O’Brien, a member of the deputation, stated that a number of League players worked on dredges and they would be forced to lose time on Saturday if they played football. Sunday was their only free day for sport. The miners in the Grey district were in the same position. Cricket on Sundays

Mr A. Thomas, for the League, mentioned that cricket had been played on the square on Sunday without permission. It had not been stopped. The council had assisted by mowing the square and providing a good pitch. Mr A. Broome claimed that the first game played had been given an excellent reception, and no complaints had been received. The Mayor (Mr A. tl. Elcock): “Is there any chance of the matches interfering with Sunday services?” Mr Broorhe: “No chance whatsoever.” Cr. Pettigrew: I see no difference between cricket and football in this matter, and I would like to endorse the remarks regarding shift work. No Power in Matter The Mayor: It appears that we have no power in the matter. There can be no by-law passed based on moral or religious grounds. It is up to the public. Mr Broome: I would like to point out that if we cannot play here on Sunday, we cannot play at all. Cr. Roberts: The No. 1 ground is showing signs of wear and tear. Could we come to some understanding as to playing on No. 2? Mr Broome: We are willing to cooperate. We are not out to go against Rugby. Cr. Peart: What happens if the two want to play on the same day? The Mayor: They should be able to settle the matter themselves.

The Mayor finally pointed out that there could be no charge for admission.