NEED FOR GROUND

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1935, Page 7

NEED FOR GROUND

NEW PLYMOUTH HOCKEY CLUBS.

DISSATISFACTION WITH CONTROL

The possibility of securing suitable playing grounds was discussed last night at a combined meeting of the New Plymouth men’s arid women’s hockey clubs. Mr. L. Innes presided over about 20 members.

The chairman explained that teams had played previously on Sanders Park. It would not be available this season on account of the Rugby Union having to use the grounds. ; At the racecourse there were two fields used by the women and an area had been levelled off by the Taranaki Jockey Club. This was originally intended for women’s games, but several members of the men’s clubs had inspected it and found! sufficient land for two grounds had. been prepared. He proposed that the men aid the women by marking out, rolling and cutting the self-sown grass on the new area' and that in return they should share in the use of it. t

, On the women members agreeing to the suggestion, a letter was drafted to the jockey club stating the position and seeking co-operation. The combined clubs, though not in a good financial position, offered to pay £2. towards upkeep. They felt that hockey was put in an awkward position through lack of playing grounds and the area on the racecourse Would be ideal. Though the ground there might not be set thoroughly play would not cut it up. It would be used only for matches, practice games being held on the two old grounds. “The jockey club has been most generous to us in • the past,” said Mr. R. Ward. “It has always done all it could. As far as the condition of the ground goes I think the quicker it is used -the better it will be.” - . < ■ -•• .

“It will be a perfect area , for us if it is looked after,” said the chairman. A member asked what Would be the position if the men’s request were refused. They would have to try for a ground on. Rugby Park but it would be less satisfactory, answered Mr. Innes. DISSATISFACTION EXPRESSED. . “Why did the club: turn down the match against the Indian touring team?” asked. Mr. K. Murtagh. '

Mr. L. Innes: ■ The guarantors ,-x>f the £5O demanded by the New Zealand association thought it unfair that they should be asked to risk the money without return. The New Plymouth clubs were asked to do all the work for the match, which was a mid-week fixture. If they made a loss the guarantors paid it; if they gained anything it' was all taken by the Taranaki association. Moreover, it was not only the guarantee that was asked for, but the money. It had to be sent away in cash by a certain date. It was not that : the' guarantors could not supply it, but they did not feel justified in doing so. ’ ■

Mr. Murtagh: We could do with the match more than anyone else. Dissatisfaction was expressed with the Taranaki association’s handling of the allocation of the fixture. New Plymouth had not been clearly informed about the conditions, it was said.

“AU we can do now is to send delegates to the association after the match and thresh the matter out,” said Mr. R. Ward. “Could we not break away from the association altogether?” ' The chairman pointed put that the members would thus forfeit the right of representing Taranaki it) major games. It was a foolish move to break away. When the centre was stronger it could make itself felt. ;

It was suggested that Tariki might be put in the division, which was considerably weakened on account of Urenui having withdrawn. To have any chance of success there must be four teams entered for play each week. Mr. J. Innes was instructed to write to the Taranaki association pointing out the position of the clubs and asking for reduction in affiliation fees. If the request were refused the New Plymouth and' Territorial clubs, if the latter agreed," would amalgamate.

Mr. T. Ward said the association had helped other struggling clubs. It should therefore be ready to assist New Plymouth in the same way. Mr. J. Innes explained that if Territorials joined it would not lose its identity, and could with no trouble separate again in another season when it had more strength. A letter was received from Mr. L. G. Westwood proposing three new members. None of them had sticks, he. stated. It was decided that the New . Plymouth club should obtain sticks which could be sent to men who were considering taking up hockey but were not prepared to buy sticks until they knew how they liked it. A notification that Mr. H. Nodder had resigned! from the position of selector for the Saturday division was received. The question of filling the vacancy was held over.

From the Waitara club an invitation was received to take part in its annual 11-a-side tournament oh Easter Monday. It was decided that the New Plymouth club should send two teams, Territorials to discuss the matter later.