THE SPORTSGROUND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 170, 19 June 1936, Page 2

THE SPORTSGROUND.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—lt is to be regretted that the reserves committee could not see thenway to give some consideration not only to the Manawatu Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, but other kindred sports, when considering the request put before them by the deputation that waited upon the full council a lew weeks back. The remarks of Cr. lremaine as reported in your paper last Monday lead one to think that the Amateur Club was the only one represented at this deputation. He mentioned that no revenue had been received lroni the club in the last 10 years. This cannot be debated for the simple reason that, owing to jack of facilities provided by the council, it is impossible for any club to conduct a meeting at the Sportsground, and it looks as if no revenue will be received by the council lor another JO years (unless we have a more sympathetic council next term) if the ground is to remain in its present state. Other towns much smaller than this city have made their grounds up to date, enabling them to produce ievenue. I claim that the same could he done with our Sportsground. We are told that the financial position of the reserves fund is low, and yet tlie council are to spend £i o on erecting a temporary hoard fence as well as a brick fence, but we are not told the cost of the latter. The suggestion of Cr Hodgens that only a buard fence be erected is comnionsense ; the money then not needed for the brick fence could be utilised in fencing the oval, also lighting same, and providing this city with a Sportsground to be proud Will Cr. Tremaine explain if the estimate given by the engineer for lighting the ground, £344 is the estimate made out in 1929, when the matter was first before the council, or was the engineer asked to supply a new one. and why it is that Levin with a similar ground can erect lights tor approximately £150? He says cyclists prefer riding at the Showgrounds. This is not so ; they would rattier ride at the Sportsground, but the A. and P. Association have shown more consideration to cyclists than our yitj Fathers, and have gono out ot their wav to help them. Some months ago there was no trouble for anotlrer .branch of sport in this city lieing assisted to carry out its activities, Cr. I rem ame largely helping to this end. the writer lias no complaints to make about this matter, but why treat one sports body so generously and turn another down? Surelv we are entitled to the same treatment. It is hoped that the sporting bodies - of this city will continue to fight for their dues, a proper ground for conducting all sports and entertainments a city of this size should have. In conclusion, I would he pleased if you could inform me as to the members of the City Council who compose the reserves committee, - ~I am, etc., ’ OLD SPORT.

The reserves committee of the City Council comprise the Mayor (Mr A. E Mansford) and Crs. G. Tremaine (chairman), R. L. C. Aiteliison, J. T. J Hcatley. and J. J. Stevenson.