FOOTBALL GROUNDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10562, 13 April 1920, Page 4

FOOTBALL GROUNDS

POSITION AT PETGME MOTION RESCINDED: LEAGUE'S APPLICATION GRANTED. Tho question of football grounds was discußsed by the Petone Borough Council again last evening. The following notice of motion (signed by Councillors E. Tovey, G. Cook, H. Anderson, W. Hay, and J. Kyle) was presented: ''That the resolutions passed at the council meeting held on March 29th last be rescinded, viz. : (1) That the Rugby Union bo allotted .Nos. 1 and '1 grounds, together with the turn-stiles at Britannia and Biiick 'streets." Councillor Tovey said he brought torward the motion as a last ■■ appeal for fair niay for a body that was deserving of it. The groundii should be available for the Petone people. Certain councillor*, he thought, felt their consciences pricking them, and would welconi'o the chance to make a change in the decision. The council was in honour bound to treat tho League fairly. Councillor H. Anderson seconded. He hoped that on mature consideration a better allocation, of grounds would be made. He hoped the League would be given a ground. He trusted that Rugby, League, Hockey, and Soccer would all be provided for. He was hot •t supporter of the League, but simply a supporter of tho whole of the ratepayers of Petone. Councillor J. • Churchousft thought llio council was agreed that tho League should have ono ground, but the trouble w r as that a suitable motion had not como before tho council. The council must accept the responsibilitj Cor the League being "shoved off the ground." < He wph prepared to vote for the motion, and subsequently voto as he thought fit on the subject. | Councillor W. Cox said the League supporters were, responsible for what had occurred. The League could havo had No. 3 ground, and he would havo ueel tnv it. He was, howevor, opposed to changing about, and was now Qgairust any change being made. Councillor D. S. Beddingfield did not wish to see the council made ridiculous. He agreed with Councillor Cox, and would vote against the recission of the motion. A councillor: What is the legal position? Is there anything in that? Tho Mayor: It is obvious. A contract hsw been made by us witli the Rugby Union. Tho councillor: Signed? , The Mayor: No; but to all intents »nd purposes it is a fcontract. THE, MOTION CARRIED. After further remarks, tiie motion was then put and earned by o voxeo tu 4. The voting was as follows:—For— Councillors Churchous'e, Tovey, Cook, Andeitou, and Hay. Against—The ilayar, Councillors Bedingfield, Cox, and Brocklebank. , After some discussion had taken place in regard to tho allotting of Is'os. I and 2 grounds, Councillor Tovey said he did not purpose to go on with tho second part of the motion: "That the motion that the Hockey Club be granted *he use of No. 3 ground be rescinded'' >—but the. Mayor ruled that the motion in jts entirety would have to be proceeded, with'. The second portion of the motloa was lost by a substantial majority. Councillor Tovey moved and Councillor Anderson seconded: "That the use of No. 1 ground be granted tha Rugby Union on tho same terms as last year," 'which meant that tho union collected all the gate-money.,—This was carried unanimously. Councillor Anderson moved and Councillor Cook seconded: "That the use of .'No. 2 ground bo granted to I the League," and the motion was carJried by 5 votes to 4, the voting being i the same as that for the rescinding of j the first part of Councillor Tovcy's motion.