FOOTBALL GROUND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22685, 24 March 1937, Page 19

FOOTBALL GROUND

RUGBY AT OTAIIUHU

i RIGHTS TO STURGES PARK RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT A lively discussion of proposals for tho allocation of the football playing rights in St urges Park, Otahuhu, (luring the next livu years developed at a mcetin of the Otahuhu Borough Council, when a tender was received frovn tho Auckland League football authorities, and tho council's subcommittee reported on negotiations with the Auckland Rugby Union. Last year the council decided to grant the Rugby Union the sole playing rights oil tho ground tor the season, the council to receive -0 per cent of the gross gate takings on condition that the union guaranteed to play Isenior games. The union was also given the right of renewal for live years. A letter enclosing a tender was received from the league football authorities. On the motion of the AI ay or, Mr. C. R. Petrie, M.P., the council adjourned for 15 minutes to enable the special committee, consisting of himself and Messrs. I'. W. Grey and A. Murdoch, to consider*the tender,

On resuming later the Mayor announced tho terms of the league's tender. It requested the sole use of the ground for five years at an annual rental of £3O, plus 33 1-3 per cent of gate takings, and guaranteed the council a minimum revenue each season of £55. Four senior games would be played, IS senior B games and the others to lie first-class junior games. The Mayor also submitted the subcommittee's report. It stated that legal advice had been taken on the implications of the agreement drawn last year. "We find that we cannot get away from that agreement," said Air. Petrie. "and the sub-committee recommends that it be renewed with the insertion of an additional clause to ensure that the council will not lose revenue by reason of bad weather." The league authorities had tried to meet the council's position by their offer, which, however, could not bo considered. Mr. J. .T. Graham said he did not consider it. right to tie up future councils. . Mr. A. Sinclair: 1 do not think it is imperative that tho agreement should be renewed. Tho two tenders should be considered irrespective of the legal position. The Mayor moved that the report of the sub-committee be adopted. After further discussion the motion was put to the meeting, but no voices were heard either for or against and the Mavor declared the motion carried.