PARK FOR SPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22353, 26 February 1936, Page 17

PARK FOR SPORTS

DISCUSSION AT OTAHUHU SOLE USE TO RUGBY UNION The exclusive use of Sturges Park at Otahuhu for Bugbv Union football on Saturdays during the coming season, with the right of renewal of such privilege over a period of five vears, was granted by the Otahuhu Borough Council on Monday night. The Auckland Rugby Union wrote applying for sole use of the ground from the end of April to the first Saturday in October, with right of renewal. The union promised to allocate 12 senior matches each season, but its intention was to play these games if possible every Saturday. hen senior games could not be arranged it would provide Junior matches. The union offered 20 per cent of the gross takings as rental. The Mavor, Mr. C. B. Petrie, M.P., said it would be a good arrangement for the council from the viewpoint of revenue. Mr. W. D. our only consideration? It seems unfair to other codes. After a lengthv discussion it was decided, Mr. A. Sinclair dissenting, to accede to the request. , , . A deputation from the Auckland Metropolitan Greyhound Bacing Club attended to discuss terms on which the club could have the use of Sturges Park for night meetings. On a previous application it had been informed the charge would be £5 a night. Speakers said this seemed very high compared with rates charged other bodies.' After some discussion the deputation submitted an application lor the use of the ground two nights in March and offered to pav a fixed fee or give 33 1-3 per cent of the takings. Mr. A. Sinclair said it looked as if the parks committee had shown a differentiation in its charges. He understood some bodies were charged only £1 a night. The Mayor said the council had a definite arrangement with the local sports bodies. It was decided to offer the ground for the two suggested nights at a charge of £3 a meeting.