LEAGUE GRANDSTAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21799, 14 May 1934, Page 10

LEAGUE GRANDSTAND

QFFICIAL OPENING LORD BLEDISLOE OFFICIATES VALUE OF HEALTHY SPORT Fully 17,000 people were estimated to be present at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon, when the fine new grandstand tvhich has been erected by the Auckland llugby League was officially opened by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe. Tho new stand was completely filled, as were nearly all the seats on tho opposite side of tho field. Loudspeakers enabled everyone to hear Lord Bledisloe's address. His Excellency, who was welcomed by officials of tho League, inspected eight teams which were drawn up in front of tho grandstand. Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the management committee, then expressed the thanks of the League to His Excellency, particularly because, as ho said, Lord Bledisloe had altered certain arrangements in order to be present. Mr. L. S. Piper, architect of the grandstand, presented His Excellency with a gold key, and Mr. 11. Cornish, tho contractor, asked His Excellency to accept a souvenir xriffc for Lady Bledisloe, consisting of two silver serviette rings upon a stand of New Zealand woods, which also bore representations of goal-posts and a ball.

Lady Bledisloe's Regrets His Excellency said that it gave him very great pleasure to be present in order to declare open the magnificent new grandstand with which their attractive football ground had now been equipped. He regretted that owing to continued indisposition Lady Bledisloe was unable to be present also. She had asked him to convey her best wishes and her congratulations upon the achievement of providing what, he believed, was the largest and most expensive among sports pavilions anywhere in the Dominion. His Excellency offered his congratulations to the architect and contractor upon the success of their efforts. "I cannot help wondering," he remarked, "what our fathers and grandfathers, who were good sportsmen in the old days, would have thought of all the comforts that are provided in these times for both onlookers and players. He was delighted to perform the opening ceremony, both as the representative of His Majesty the King, who was the supreme patron of League football in this Dominion, and on his own behalf. He had always been a firm believer in the advantages of football for developing physique and forming character and a sense of discipline. He understood that 24 years ago Chinese had cultivated vegetables upon the ground where they were assembled. The League now used it for the cultivation of sport and of health and character, which flowed from sport when conducted fairly, honestly and in a spirit of unselfishness. He congratulated the League upon its enterprise and hoped that tho fine old British game which it fostered would continue to flourish. Unselfish Spirit Needed The three great dominating forces which swayed the world, namely, physical energy„ scientific skill and mutual co-operation, were found in full measure upon New Zealand football grounds. It was essential that an unselfish spirit should be displayed, not only among the players, but also among tho onlookers. It was natural to applaud one's own friends for their achievements, but to bo able to applaud .one's opponents as well for their outstanding merits added' to greatness of character, and testified to national nobility. "During my four years' sojourn among you, nothing has caused me more pride and gratification than the noticeable fact that throughout this Dominion good play by friends and foes alike is always appreciated and applauded in a true spirit of sportsmanship," added Lord Bledisloe. "I hope that this will always be so in the years to come." His Excellency expressed his gratification that the erection of the new pavilion had provided useful and remunerative work for about 60 men. He understood that it had cost £3500, accommodated 3000 people, and was built of good New Zealand rimu timber. He hoped that the beautiful ground in which it stood would continue to be the scene of many fine matches that would maintain the'reputation of League football for good sportsmanship. He wished them all good luck. His Excellency remained for some timo and witnessed part of tho match between Richmond and Ponsonby.