CHARGE AT SYDENHAM PARK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16738, 20 May 1922, Page 10

CHARGE AT SYDENHAM PARK.

SPECTATORS PAY TO SEE LEACUE CAME.

There were very few objectors to the charge of sixpence that wag made- for admission to Sydenham Park to-day, for the [League match between Sydenham and Addington. At the fmain gate two men demanded to see the permit authorising the charge, but at the other the galbe-ke-epers stated that no one who waa required to pay raised any objections. When the Canterbury Rugby League applied to the City Council for permission to make a. charge of sixpence admission to to-day’s match, the latter suggested that in order not to deprive the hockey and Rugby players who regularly use the park of the grounds, the players and; supporters of these games should be admitted free. The letter from the Town Clerk in reply to the League’s application was as follows: “I am directed by the chairman of the Reserves Committee, to inform you that\permisison is granted to your league to make a. charge of sixpence admission to Sydenham Park on Saturday, May 20, it being understood that no charge will bo made to players or spectators of other games being played on the park on that date.” In accordance with the terms of this letter. about 100 players and spectators of the two men’s hockey matches and t*he third grade Rugby match were admitted free. The other spectators, who numbered: over a thousand were required to pay sixpence for admission. The secretary of the Rugby League stated this afternoon that the Public Reserves and Domains Act, 1908, and the amending Act of last session, provides that the maximum number of

days on which a charge for admission may be made is fifteen. Prior to the amending Act being passed the number was seven. The league had applied for and been granted the exciusi/e rights of the park on three days last season and the only reason why exclusive rights were not applied for in connection with to-day’s match was because the league did not wish to interfere with the other sports played on the grounds. The charge for admission was made P* >U the gates leading into the i..