ATHLETIC PARK

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11251, 1 July 1922, Page 14

ATHLETIC PARK

AND THE RUGBY UNION. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS. The proposal to erect a new grandstand at Athletic Park and to purchase playing grounds at Petono were discussed this week at a special meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union management committee and officials. There were present:—Dr A. K. Newman (chairman), Colonel G. F. O. Campbell, Dr P. McEvedy, and Messrs J. Prendeville (chairman of the management committee), A. Wiren, G. Jackson, 3. N. Millard, W. J. Hardham, E. Price, J. Lundon, F. A. Laws, J.'P. Firth, and J. F. McComisky (secretary). It was stated by Mr Ptrendeville that one proposal was the improvement of tire Athletic Park. ' The union had a tenure of the ground of twenty-one years, with a right of renewal for a further twenty-one years. _ They had power to surrender the existing lease, of. which eight years had expired, and obtain what was known as a “Glasgow” lease. There arose a big question of whether an attempt should bo made to acquire the freehold. Tho next question was whether an attempt should he made to further improve the stands at Athletic Park. Although definite plans and specifications -.had not vet been prepared, it was roughly estimated that, it would cost £20,000 to build a new stand on the eastern side, a double-decker, capable of accommodating between six and seven thousand people, to he built in two or three sections, in order to provide dressing sheds underneath and any conveniences required, and possibly a gymnasium or meeting room. Mr Prendeville, also emphasised tho fact that the question of grounds was becoming vital. He mentioned tho possibility of the acquisition of certain grounds nt Petone. There were three which he thought were worthy of consideration. He commended the question of the grounds at Petone and the erection of a. new stand at the park for the meeting’s consideration. Dr Newman pointed out that a lease was a vanishing quantity, and he did not like tho “vanishing lease” on the park, which playing area was, after a 11, the main source of revenue. It would be wise to see if tho union could obtain a lease or freehold in such a way as would enable them to raise debentures. It was stated by Colonel Campbell that ill order to purchase the park special legislation would have to he brought down. The existing lease expired in 1935, and was subject to a renewal for a further 21 years nt a revaluatiOTi based upon the then unimproved value of the land. It would, necessarily, he to their advantage to buy now. If the erection of a stand at £20,000 wore contemplated, it seemed to him that they were taking in hand something a little beyond them. If the park were improved and then purchased, Mr Millard pointed out, they would he buying back their own improvements. Dr McEvedy considered that the Athletic Park be secured for football for all time. The chance of acquiring the freehold should not bo missed. Mr Price urged that the question of grounds should be first considered. It would be a wise thing, he thought, to purchase an area at Petone. Mr Millard also favoured the purchase of grounds at Petone. Finally tile following committee was set up to gO into the matter of Athletic Park and a ground at Petone: —Messrs J. Prendeville, J. p. Firth, G. F. Jackson, E. Wylie, and Dr McEvedy.

TEAM FOR’TARANAKI

UNDERGOES CHANGES. The team originally selected to make, the trip to Taranaki has undergone considerable ohange, A number of the players chosen have notified that they are not available, and other “probables” were also unable to go. The team is now as follows:—Full back, E. Brook; three-quarters, Malfrov, Wogan, Tunnington; fiveeighths, B. Algnr and M. Nicholls; half-hack, H. E. Nicholls; wing forward, Fitzgerald; forwards, Standee, Wylie, Troy, Moffitt, J. Shearer, Duncan, Mcßae. Emergencies, Whiterod (forward), Udy (back). The team is to train at the Poneke gymnasium at 8 o’clock on Monday night, and will leave for Hawera on Tuesday morning, returning on Thursday. Messrs A. Wilson (selector) and J. Lundon (manager) will accompany the team.