FOOTBALLERS & TRAFALGAR PARK.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 20 April 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALLERS & TRAFALGAR PARK.

deputation to the city council; a reduction of payment GRANTED. A deputation from the Nelson Rugby Union, consisting of Dr Andrew and Messrs Hall and -Smith, waited on the Citv Council last night and asked the Council to reduce what was considered an excessive payment for the use by footballers of Trafalgar Park. Df Andrew stated that at present the Council was paid one-third of the gross gate takings up to £5, ahd in four years the Union had paid the Council £186 3s -7d. The cricketers, on the other hand, had the Park a month longer than the footballers, but paid the Council practically nothing. It was asked that the terms for the Park be re"3nced, and that the Union pay, say, £25. Dr Andrew pointed out that visiting teams of footballers came to Nelson and advertised, t^e district to some extent. Mr Smith remarked that prior' to four years ago the Rugby Union paid more to the Council. The Mayor explained that the Trafalgar Park account was a trust account, and any money above expenses had to be devoted to charitable purposes. Cr. Atmore was informed that the Trafalgar. Park account Was. In credit, and he then rhoved. .that the Rugby Union be charged £30 pei' annuni and that the matter of the length of time the footballers and cricketers should iise tht Park be left to the respective controlling bodies to arrange. Cr. Lightband. seconded pro forma, and thought the Committee should consider the matter. Cr. Hampson also thought the Committee should consider the matter. Cr. Grace moved as an amendment that the offer of £25 by the Rugby Union be accepted. Cr. Turner seconded the amendment. Dr. Andrew remarked that it would be cheaper for the Rugby Union to havo a ground of its own rather than go on paying the Council so much as previously. The amendment was carried. Dr Andrew, on behalf of .the Rugby Union, thanked the Council for so readily meeting the Union .