USE OF KENSINGTON PARK

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1930, Page 8

USE OF KENSINGTON PARK

APPLICATION BY RUGBY UNION

GRANTED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL,

The Whangarei Rugby Union asked the Borough Council last evening for the sole use of Kensington Park on King’s Birthday for its annual seven-a-side tournament.

Cr. Brake moved, seconded by Cr. Donaldson. that the request be granted

Ur. Tibhits foresaw that -other sports bodies might require the park, which was public property.

■Cr. Pickmere said that a tournament sueli as was suggested required a great deal of organisation and if would lie necessary if it was to be held; that the Union should be informed well beforehand.

As no other application was forthcoming, and the Rugby Union usually required to use a large number of grounds all day, Cr. Bralnsby could see no reason why the request -should not be granted.

The Mayor said that permission to nse Kensington Park areas had been granted to the Hockey Association, and if they desired to play there the council might be placeildn an awkward position. As far as any other code of football was concerned, the situation was different.

Cr. Brainsby thereupon, moved as an imendment that the Rugby Union be given, the use of the park, with the issurnnce that unless a very urgent case arose, it would have the sole rights. Cr, Jackson favoured exclusive powers being given to the Rugby Union is previously, -otherwise the organisation responsible for arranging the tournament would not be assured of the gate, which it relied upon. Replying, as mover of the motion, oi‘. Brake said that if the amendment was carried it would mean an invitation to other sports bodies who had not hitherto bothered to apply, for use of Kensington Pork on June 3, to do so. Rugby, which "was the national game, had occupied the park on the date in question for many years, and the precedent was alone sufficient, he considered. The amendment was defeated, and the motion that Rugby be granted sole use .of the park for the day was carried. Cr. Tibbits recorded his vote against.