GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20679, 18 March 1937, Page 4

GERALDINE

DOMAIN OVAL

drainage a necessity "It had been found necessary on several occasions to transfer the games from the Domain Oval to the reserve ground owing to the Oval being unfit for play,” stated the annual report presented to members of the Geraldine Football Club on Tuesday evening. After an interesting discussion the meeting agreed that a combined deputation from tile Football Club and the Cricket Club should wait on the Geraldine Domain Board to discuss the question of draining the Oval. The subject was introduced by Mr John Scott, who asked if there were any likelihood of alterations being made to the Domain. A deputation had waited on the Minister of Public Works recently in regard to improvements to the embankment round the Oval, but if that work were commenced it would not he possible to undertake any draining of the playing area. Mr F. Sherratt (president-elect): If the committee can find any way of draining the Oval it would endeavour to do so. In its present state it is not suitable for football in the winter time. Mr John Scott: The sooner something is done the better, even if we have to go out of town for a mile or so to get a better ground. You will find that in most towns the football grounds are a mile or so out. It would be a good idea if the club could get a new ground. The present ground is unsatisfactory. Mr Jackson: Although We have not actually appointed a deputation to wait on the Board, it has not been for the want of asking nicely that improvements be effected. Mr John Scott: Some of the Domain Board members have the idea that the Football Club has never helped them. Mr Jackson: I would like to hear that said in front of me. Could you arrange for me to meet the members concerned? Mr John Scott: I think we could do that. If the Board could secure a subsidy to effect drainage we might be able to put a little persuasion and help behind them. The president-elect: The committee will approach the Cricket Club in the matter of arranging a deputation to wait on the Board. Mr D. C. McKechnie suggested that perhaps the club could set aside a small sum, say, £5 or £lO a year, as a nucleus for a new ground fund. It might be possible to secure a suitable ground alongside the present secondary school grounds. A sub-committee could perhaps go into the matter, and if a scheme were launched the club would possess a valuable asset in years to come. Mr W. A. Robinson: It would be a very expensive matter for the club. We would have to erect dressing sheds and so on. In reply to a question, Mr W. H. Morris said that, as a practical farmer, he had no doubt that the Oval could be drained. Mr Jackson: I am convinced that the Oval could be drained, and that it would make a splendid ground. On the motion of Messrs W. A. Robinson and A. Vincent, it was decided that it be a recommendation to the committee to approach the Cricket Club with a view to arranging a joint deputation to wait on the Geraldine Domain Board to discuss the question of draining the Oval.