TRAFALGAR PARK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 6

TRAFALGAR PARK

FOOTBALL AND CRICKET

RESPECTIVE CLAWS

The annual discussion as to when footballers should give up the use of Trafalgar Park in order that the ground could be topdressed for the cricket season cropped up at the City Council meeting last evening, when a request was received from the Y.M.C.A., for the ", use .of the park for a gymkhana. In reply to Councillor Neale, the En- > gineer said that unless some . definite date was fixed, top-dressing of the cricket pitch would be delayed. Another application from the Rugby 'Union for the use of the Park on 22nd Seotember was also received.

Councillor Neale moved that permission be granted the Union provided it was for a .Seddon Shield fixture. At the same time Councillor Neale pointed out that while'lie would not think* of refusing the application, he thought it was time footballers got off the ground earlier in the year: In seconding the motion Councillor Russell said he agreed with a great deal of what Councillor Neale had said, but thought such a popular, game with the public as football was should not be curtailed. It was time the Council considered providing additional playing areas. . •

Councillor Wigzell asked if there was any likelihood of further matches being played after ,22nd September. Councillor Russell said he could not say. • .", ' ’ .■ ... Councillor Harley disagreed with Councillor Russell when he said a sport was being curtailed. Football was not providing a sport but a spectacle a sport that stood its players on the bank from 30th June to 22rid September. Councillor Harley pointed out that the Pari; had been greatly improved owing to the efforts of the Cricket Association in the past, whereas until recent years the footballers had done practically nothing. It was made very clear last year that' this season football was going to be stopped pretty early.. Although not opposed to the motion, lie_ thought the date was a week later than it should be and he would strongly 1 oppose any recommendation for further extension.

In answer to a question, the Engineer said it would bo useless to topdress the Park while present conditions continued. Councillor Russell reiterated that additional grounds would have to he provided for cricketers. Councillor Neale asked why the cricketers should find other grounds when the Nelson Cricket and Athletic Grounds Sports Company formed the Park? • Councillor Russell said he was not in Nelson at the time, so was not aware of the fact. He repeated, however, his protest that winter sport, should not be shut down on.account of cricket.

Councillor Wigzell- enquired if there was any chance of footballers shortening the playing time. . Councillor Russell replied that if Seddon Shield matches were not • being played club and interprovincial games would be played instead. The motion was then put and carried. It was also agreed to accede to the request of the Y.Ai.C.A.