TE METE PARK SPORT

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1935, Page 7

TE METE PARK SPORT

POSSIBILITY OF PLAYING AREA. PUBLIC MEETING AT FITZROY. The possibility of Te Mete Park, Mangorei Road,. New Plymouth, being used as a sportsground was advanced at a public meeting at Fitzroy last night. Mr. S. J. Smith as lessee presided over a small attendance and explained the position.

He had an agreement with the council to allow sports on the park, for the organising bodies of which he was willing to lay down grounds and act as guarantor, said Mr. Smith. After hearing what others present had to say he decided that if suggested cricketing support was forthcoming the laying down of a cricket pitch would be proceeded with. Later tennis courts could be laid down if inducement offered.

There was no question in forming any sports bodies of taking members from other clubs, said Mr! Smith. 'lt was merely with the idea of encouraging an interest in Te Mete Park and beginning new organisations which would grow. He would make the grounds required and act as guarantor, as required by the council, for any bodies formed. The council would assist in purchasing material but the labour would be provided by him. Eight tennis courts would be laid down if the support appeared to be forthcoming. As far as cricket was concerned, Mr. W. Nicoll said the formation of a Fitzroy cricket club was mooted for next year and there was also need for a football ground in the district. Mr. Smith said the ground was big enough for pricket and tennis, and the council had also acquired over an acre adjoining which could be cleared of spoil. He added that sports clubs formed would have no liability as far as the ground control was concerned, and would be able to devote their attention to club control. Sunday play would be allowed.

Mr. Nicoll undertook to find out, in company with Mr. G. Purdue, what support might be forthcoming for a Fitzroy Cricket Club. Mr. Smith pointed out that he had an agreement with the borough council which he would have to have varied. Tennis could not be commenced until players were assured, and he would now prefer to have the agreement restricted to cricket, perhaps keeping it open till the approach of next summer, when the feeling with regard to tennis could again be ascertained.

Miss Abbott agreed to help in collecting tennis enthusiasts.

He was prepared to do all the work until clubs felt they could get along without him, said Mr. Smith. He was interested merely in having the park used. With the extra area available in time a cycle and running track would be possible.

Those present appreciated Mr. Smith’s offers, said Mr. Way. Once the scheme received a start it would go on.