USE OF RECREATION GROUND

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 12

USE OF RECREATION GROUND

Hockey Club’s Application

FOOTBALLERS NOT VERY SPORTSMANLIKE

By letter and a deputation comprising Messrs. G. Butler, E. J. Stitt and D. T. Gardner tho Woodville Hockey Club sought the use of the recreation ground on alternate Saturdays from May 20. The request was granted on the same temrs as last year on the motion of the Mayor and Cr. A. H. Hustwick. Mr. G. Butler said that the state of the club’s own ground in McLean Street was not good enough for senior play and it was also hoped to arrange a draw so that on some days there would be two hockey matches iu Woodville. Early games, he said, were not always convenient for players. Cr. J. Sullivan remarked that the hockey club was quite satisfied to play at 1.30 p.m. last season, but Mr. Butler denied this, pointing out that the Hast.well team were inconvenienced, having to travel 40 miles before playing at that time. Cr. Sullivan could see no objection to the application and suggested that if a third grade football team got going they coiild play on the school grounds as was done in the past. Cr. E. J. Harding asked whether the Rugby Union had applied for the use of the ground and was told that they had not. The hockey club then, he said, was the only club to have made an application. Mr. Gardner remarked that unless they could uso the ground all three teams would have to travel to Palmerston North every Saturday. Mr. Butle/ pointed out also that visitors would spend money in the town. Mr. Stitt stated that his club had no wish to oust football altogether as it I was the national game, but he said that last season the hockey club did not get even second privilege. He cited an incident that had occurred last year when a Dannevirke representative team was late in arriving owing to a breakdown. They were playing short spells and a few minutes after half-time the footballers jußt walked on to field. “It was not a very sportsmanlike thing to do,” said Mr. Stitt, 11 and we would never do such a thing.” The question of rental was raised, it being pointed out that as the footballers were paying £7 10s a year they should have some privileges. Mr. Butler replied that the Woodville Club did not pay this, but the Rugby Union, whereas the Hockey Club found its own rent. Having thanked the council, the deputation then’ withdrew and the Mayor, remarking that the Hockey Club’s was the only application, put his motion, which was carried.