THE OVAL

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10377, 7 April 1927, Page 5

THE OVAL

prrU. TO OFFER TO BUY HALF share.

POOR RESULT FROM ART UNION

The proposed purchase of a halfshare in the Oval by the Poverty Bay Rilo-by Uuion was discussed by delegates a t tho annual meeting last "veniugj tho incoming Management Committee being instructed to complete arrangements under this deal. 3fr A. S. Parker introduced the subject by remarking that' he wished the meeting to consider the question , 0 f purchasing a half-share in the Oval. In connection with the art union, he was sorry to say that, though they had had no definite results yct 3 this had been a decided failure. This could be accounted for by the facts that there was general'fin-

ancial stringency throughout New 'VZealand and that there had been too '’many art unions. They had £IOOO to work on, however, and there was always the possibility of carrying to hnality the proposal to purchase a half-share in the Oval. He wished to hear players’ opinions on this matter, for they would he called on to decide. Mr R. Burge expressed himself as being in favor of the purchase of a share in the Oval. The Cricket Association’s terms were very good and it the Union went elsewhere and start-' < d a new ground, there would be a long delay before they would get the ground into good playing order. He urged the necessity of taking immediate steps to obtain a ground—it was co use always leaving it to the. future. They should commence negotiations with the Cricket Association at once and try to come to an agreement quite fair to both parties. Mr H. E. Maude suggested that the feeling of players on the matter ot playing on the Oval should be tested. Mr Iv. Woodward advocated 'the purchase of a share in the Oval, advancing as a special reason the fact that the Union was liable for the cost of the grandstand and even it Hicy.e left the Oval, they would still havy iliis burden on them. Cricket and Rugby in Gisborne should run together—thei;p was not room in the town for the two bodies to run ■ separately with separate grounds. Mr A. .Lange questioned whether tin- ground could be put in order for Uugbv without interfering with cricket.

Mr M. J. Kvne spoke in support of acquiring a share in the Oval'. The ground needed a certain amount ot attention, but that could be given it in time. Mr P. Tureia also supported the purchase of a share in the Oval, but expressed the opinion that the ground was- a poor one to play on. He expressed the fear that if too much preparation for Rugby were put into the ground the cricketers might object. Nevertheless he felt sure that some arrangement could be reached between the two bodies; Mr IT. E. Maude pointed out some of the difficulties in connection with tho Oval, btit expressed the opinion that great improvement had been made during the last year, particularly about No. I ground. Some ot the difficulty might be removed by judicious use of a iiose. If those turned over the surface, they ran a great risk of making it worse ’than ever by exposing the sand beneath. He considered that the suggestions that the preparation of the ground would interfere with cricket were not of very great import. By a re-arrangement of the present playing fields, they would be able to have four full-sized fields. The speaker outlined some discussions with Mr Bean, of the N.Z. Rugby Union, on the matter of finance. “The Chairman has stated that the art union was a failure,” continued Mr Maude, “but I take it that was only relatively to our expectations. There should he some hundreds foicome to us, should there not, Mr Y§/rlte r?” Mr Parker: I’m afraid not hundreds. Mr Maude. t ontinuing, Mr Maude stated that tiiev could depend on the Cricket Association meeting the Union. The i ricketers would not be trying to make a profit out of the business, but only wished to do the fair thing. There was also the probability ot other revenue from the Oval by letting it for athletic meetings, etc. The hardness of tho ground might .he obviated by special care bestowed on it by the groundsman. “I feel sure,” said the speaker, in conclusion, “that if you decide to purchase a half share in the Oval, this should be possible to initiate with the £IOOO you already have had promised. I am sure you will never regret it.” Mr H. D. Chrisp remarked that it was quite ridiculous for the Union and Cricket Association to be apart. It was a remarkable position, and he urged the meeting to support strongly any recommendation that negotiations for such a purchase should be finalized immediately. Mr M. J. Ivyne pointed out that tlu- financial position should be carefully considered and any terms entered into with the Cricket Association should he such that the Union would not be financially embarrassed. A motion was then carried unanimously that the incoming committee should bo authorised to purchase a half-share in the Oval on such price and terms as that committee, at its discretion, shall decide.