DOMAIN GROUNDSD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10992, 30 August 1921, Page 6

DOMAIN GROUNDSD

AND SPORTS GATHERINGS POWER TO CHARGE PERMISSION DESIRED. 4 LEGISLATION PROMISED. The Hon. Dr. Collins, M.L.C., and Messrs R. W. Shallcrass (general seoretarv N.Z. Sports Protection League), lan Duncan (N.Z. Sports Protection League), C. E. Fordlmm (N.Z. Football Association), and A. T. Darias (N.Z. Amatetir Athletic Association) waited upon the Minister for Lands'(the Hon. D. H. Guthrie) yesterday afternoon to urge the necessity for amending legislation to empower domain boards to close tlioir grounds and make a charge for admission to 6ports meetings on ten days a year. Mr E. Wylie (N.Z. Rugby Union) who was also to have attended, was unavoidably unable to be present. IN THE INTERESTS OF SPORT. Dr. Collins, in introducing the deputation, urged that the proposal was entirely in the interests of sport and also in the interests of the health ofc the community. ' 58S DOMAINS AFFECTED. Mr Duncan stated that the occasion ! of the deputation was that the Crown'* Solicitor had given his opinion that domain boards, though controlling areas, not only u-sed as gardens, but for crioket, football, athletic sports, and other amusements, cannot set aside such grounds and authorise a charge for admission. The matter was brought under the notice of the league by its Tauranga branch, \ which risked assistance towards securing legislation to permit such a charge to- be made on publio domains on ceitadn occasions, such as those when cricket and football matches and athletic sports meetings are held. . Mr Duncan urged that,"while they recognised that the object in providing domains was to give free access to tho public as a whole to such areas, if the request of the deputation was granted it would not materially violate this principle; and the domain trustees could be relied upon to- protect the public and not abuse the power given. Further, a -source of income for the development and improvement of the domains would be provided. If no .relief, was granted, it meant that in a number of smaller towns and villages either fresh recreation grounds must be provided at large cost, or athletic sports and games, whidh. were generally conceded to bo most necessary for the community, must suffer very gravely. He hoped that they might to* the Minister to introduce the suggested measure next session. The league had ascertained that some 588 areas in all were affected, comprising a total area of 52,000 acres. They understood that the Lands Department was very sympathetic ; but there appeared to be no doubt that the Solid to r*General’s opinion must be accepted, and that at present no charge could be l made for football or cricket matches or athletic gatherings held on public domains. It was understood that the department had recommended legislation, but that the Mi nos ter himself had not yet decided to give it his approval. The deputation suggested that the legislation in regald to - recreation grounds in paragraphs d, e, and f of section 2D of the Public Reserves and Domain Act, 1908, should be made applicable to publio domains. The paragraphs in question give the power to set aside certain days for sport and other gatherings on not more tlhiaai ten days, for not more than three days consecutively, in any year, and make charges ranging from Is to 10s for admission; also, to erect grandstands, pavilions, etc. MINISTER IN REPLY. "QUITE A LEGITIMATE THING.” The Minister, in reply pointed out that Parliament had to give Auckland seven consecutive days tor the Davis Oup by special legislation, owing to the limitation to three consecutive days m the clauses in question. He was, be stated, quite in accord with them in regard to the desired concession, because he felt that there was not *so mudh difference between domiains and recreation grounds as many people thought. Nearly all domiains were used for recreating purposes; and, moreover, it was of great importance to the boards of trustees of tho domains that they should have the means of improvmg and developing the domains, and one means of raising funds was by mnlking a charge. He thought that quote a legitimate thing to do, and he would have no hesitation' in introducing- a clause he had had drafted to meet the case. Tho new clause would give to Domain Boards ‘ ‘all the powers, duties, and'functions vested in trustees of recreation -grounds by subsection 1 (paragraphs d, e, tf, g, and h) and subsection 2 and 3 of section 29” of the Public Reserves and Domains Act. 1908. it gave .them everything they were, asking, and lie would be very pleased to introduce it during the coming session. He did not thank there would be any difficulty about its being passed. It might happen that ten days would not be found sufficient in Some cases; but Parliament viewed such matter with a *jealou« eye, and he though lSmin very wise not to ask for more than ten days. If that was not found adequate .they coufld ask again. He thought 20 days would meet all cases. To lias mdmd their suggestion would! talk© nothing' from, but really add to, the privileges of the people by promoting sports gatherings and enabling the people to eee the beet sport in the country.