SPORTS GROUNDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24972, 15 August 1944, Page 7

SPORTS GROUNDS

USE BY THE SERVICES EARLY RETURN SOUGHT An appeal for assistance in obtaining the return of various Auckland sports grounds no longer needed for urgent war purposes was made to the Mayor, Mr J. A C. Allum, yesterday by a deputation representing several sports organ isations. Mr Allum promised to take up the matter immediately with the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, emphasising the points made by the deputation. Mr W. Newsham, an executive member of the Auckland Hockey Association, said his association was concerned about the early return of Hobson Park. Owing to the different replies of two Ministers on the subject they were at a loss to know what the position was. Mr Allum said he had been advised by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, that the ground was required for the Air Force.

All Sports Affected ■Mr Newsham said the association had had great difficulty in carrying on during the past two years, and members felt tho time had arrived when they should bo allowed to return to the park Kven it it was returned immediately it would be two years before it could be m»(lo suitable for plav. ■Mr \\ I; Fee. representing the Auckland Cricket Association, supported Mr Newsham. and said his association felt that all the Auckland playing grounds were concerned. It was realised that defence requirements must take priority and they did not wish f o dictate to the Government as to what was needed for defence purposes, but if they did not make their wishes known it might be a long time before the various grounds were restored. His association was particularly interested in the Domain. Mr J. W. Watson, speaking for the Auckland Rugby League, said it would be years before grounds in the Domain could be brought back into good order. Catering For Youth Mr ,1. W. S. Taylor, on behalf of the Auckland Council of Sport and the Auckland Rugby Union, said it had been found that, as recreational facilities had been withdrawn, so had youthful delinquency increased. It was impossiblo to cater for tho youth of tho community unless playing areas were available.

Mr -J. Elliot, for tho Auckland Suburban Cricket Association, said that in the past three or four years grounds sufficient for only two-fifths of the players had been available and the position would be accentuated by the return of servicemen. Mr Allum said the City Council was very concerned about the matter and was negotiating with the Government and others for the purpose of making more grounds available. Now that the situation had changed he believed that any attempt to retain grounds unless for immediate war purposes would be scandalous. SALE OF MILK ROUND COUNCIL'S POLICY INVOLVED APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE "In taking this action I think the council is leaving itself open to a lot of criticism, because it is definitely going against our established practice," said the chairman of tho Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council, Mr 1. J. Goldstine, at its meeting yesterday, when the council was considering the transfer of a milk round. The business was offered by Mr H. F. Bourne, who had a trade of 49 gallons in Remuera, at £l4 10s a gallon retail and £5 10s wholesale, together with a truck and other accessories for £SO extra. A request for approval of his purchase of the round at that figure was made by Mr W. C. Neil, while a neighbouring roundsman. Mr R. H. McKinley, indicated that he wished to incorporate Mr Bourne's! round in his own. While personally he would iiko to see Mr Neil established in the business, said Mr Goldstine, he thought the council should pursue its customary policy which allowed neighbouring vendors to incorporate rounds which were for sale.

Mr J. J. Mulvihill said the* council would come in for a lot of criticism if it interfered in sales like this, where there was a straight-out offer of a sale and a straight-out purchase. Mr A. Thompson considered the question was one of what was an economic round. It was stated that 50 to 60 gallons was the usual economic round and that if Mr McKinley incorporated Mr Bourne's round it would bring the one round to 87 gallons. While he was in favour of pursuing the council's usual policy, 87 gallons was getting rather high, said Mr A. S. Bailey. The council decided to approve the purchase of the round by Mr Neil at the figure quoted, the chairman and Mr Bailey dissenting.

RURAL HOUSING DELAY WITH SCHEME FARMERS BECOMING RESTIVE The proposed rural housing scheme promised by the Government is not yet in operation. Inquiry as to the reasons for the delay was recently made by the Auckland District Council of Primary Production and a reply was received at yesterday's meeting of the council from the director of the fields division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr It. W. Smallfield. Writing under date of August 2, the director expressed regret that the whole matter was still under consideration. Decision was not likelv for a, fortnight, when the council would be advised of the result. Because of the urgency of the position members of the council were strongly in accord with a protest from the Matamata Primary Production Council against the unexplained delay. In a letter the Matamata council expressed concern over the shortage of dwellings on farms, which was hampering production. The inability of farmers in the district to house employees, it was said, had created such an acute position that a series of meetings was being hold by farmers alarmed at the state of affairs that had arisen. Mr l'\ A. Harcombe said that timber was probably the problem. He gave instances of difficulty farmers were experiencing in obtaining timber for even j maintenance purposes. The Auckland council decided to support the Matamata council in an approach to the national council on the housing question. It was also decided to draw the attention of the national council to the fact that in spite of previous recommendations timber for farm maintenance and production was still not available. MAN TRAPPED IN TREE SYDNEY, Auk. 10 After having climbed to the top of a tree at Gordon with the aid of a 20ft. ladder, a man lopped several branches and then found lie could not reach the ladder to climb down again. Trapped .'Soft, from the ground he had a heart attack before he was rescued by firemen. The man, Mr. Eric O'Brien, aged 67, company secretary, was helpless between three forked branches leading from the main trunk. When his plight was noticed he had had a heart attack and was in danger of falling. Neighbours supported his legs while a message was sent to the fire brigade for a ladder.