THE ROYAL VISIT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10562, 13 April 1920, Page 5

THE ROYAL VISIT

FOOTBALL MATGH ENTERTAINMENT FOR VISITOR: PARK FOR CHILDREN. DEPUTATION TO THE MAYOR. "Is it not possible for our Rugby Union' to rise to the occasion and show the Trince of Wales a good collego football match?" asked Mr Len McKenzie, in a letter to the "New Zealand Times" yesterday. Council lor McKenzie further suggested .that the money taken at tho gates could be ear-marked to help form a park to-be set aside for -school children. In support of his proposal, Mr McKenzie yesterday headed a deputation of representative men to the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke). The deputation consisted of Messrs J. H. Howell (Wellington Technical College), G. L. Stewart (Wellington. Education Board), W. Homig (Wellington Rugby Imon), E Perry (Wellington Swimming Association). J? Cuaack (Wellington Hockey Association), A. C. Knto (AA e - liugton Amateur Athletic Association), and Sullivan (tennis). Apologies for absence were received from Dr. E : A. Newman, M.P., Mr Alex. Gray, KX., Mr Duncan (Wellington hpotball Association), and from the Returned Soldiers' Association. ' "PRINCE'S PARK." In introducing the deputation. Councillor McKenzie said that its object was to secure a suitable ground to be set aside first and foremost tor the use of the children, and particularly "for the use of students attendin "the Wellington Technical College, whose plaving accommodation was very limited. "The idea was that tho ground should be named alter tii\a ltoval Highness the present Prince oi Wales in-order to perpetuate his memory amongst the children over whom he", would some day probably reign as King. The Wellington Rugby Union had offered to .arrango a football match at Athletic Park, to bo played during the Prince's visit between the N.Z.E.F. team which won the King's Army Service Cup, and last year's winners of the Ranturly Shield. It was proposed that the whole proceeds of the match should be handed to the City Council as the nucleus of a fund for the provision of the suggested park. The deputation wished to ask the Mayor to make an appeal to tho general public to suoplement the amount, so that tho park would in a reasonably short time be an accomplished fact. "AN UNPRECEDENTED WELCOME." Mr Hornig said that the Welling ton Rugby Union thoroughly endorsed everything that had. been said by Mr McKenzie. The union would endeavour to arrange & match that would give the Prince an unprecedented welcome that would live . long in his memory. Tho match . could probably be Acted in after luncheon on the second day of His Higbricss's visit, and 'before ho left by launch for Petone. The deputation wanted to ask His Worship to appeal to the Government to have the proposed football match included in the programme ot tho Prince's entertainment in Wellington city. THE MAYOR. APPROVES. The Mayor replied that the object of the deputation had his entire sympathy; and he would do all in his power to help tho scheme. Ho thanked tho gentleman who originated the idea, and thought it a most opportune time to Jfwnch the proposal. He would forward to the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs his consent to the inclusion of the match in the local programme. Ha was glad to see that the sports bodies and the Education Department were taking Up the matter. One thing that was causing him perturbation was that when the proposal for the erection of a new Technical College was under consideration, he hoped the children would be provided with something more than a proper open breathing space. AMPLE GROUND AVAILABLE. I Mr Luke then asked Mr J. G. Mac- ! kenzio (superintendent of the City Council's reserves), who was present, what area of ground was available. Mr Mackenzie replied that there would be over 40 acres, sufficient to make six fooltball grounds on different levels, together with tennis courts, etc. Such a space would make one of the mast picturesque grounds in New. Zealand., Tho Mayor expressed pleaeure at this information, and said he hoped the object of tho deputation would meet with the success he thought the proposal deserved. Ho then instructed the officers of the council to put his viows before the necessary authorities. , Councillor McKenzie thanked tho Mayor, and the deputation withdrew. Tho reserves committee of the City Council has had the subject of a park for children under consideration for some time, and a good deal of the work in connection with this has already been accomplished.