PLAY RUGBY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17832, 28 April 1926, Page 3

PLAY RUGBY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

| TOO MANY GAMES AT LANCASTER PARK. MEN CROWD ON WEST GROUND, SPOILING PLAY. To play or not to play three senior matches at Lancaster Park was a question which caused a good deal of discussion at last night's meeting of the j Canterbury Rugby I'nion. The matter was introduced by Mr J. .K. Moloney, who said that the w.est , ground should not be used for senior ; games. He quoted the Merivale-Albion : game as an example, remarking that it was not fair to the players to ask them ! to play on a. ground which was narrow ‘ and short.. The players} should be considered. On Saturday the public crowded on the ground and got in the 1 way of the players. The third senior game should be played in some other locality for propaganda purposes. Mr E. V. Phillips: Tf it was not fair to the senior teams, why ask, the lower grades to play there? Mr Moloney: The interest is not the same as in the senior games. Mr S. F. Wilson said that if the game between Old Boys and Lin wood had not been interesting. the game between Merivale and Albion could not have been played, as the public would have deserted the oval and crowded on to the west ground, where an exciting game was in progress. The chairman (Mr A. E. M’PhaiJ): The same thing happens on other grounds in other parks. Mr Wilson: That cannot be avoided, but in these cases it can. Mr Moloney: I think we are looking too much to the mercenary side, and not giving enough attention to the Mr ii. 11. Xortli suggested that referees on the south ground should be asked to see that games on the south ground should start simultaneously with those on the oval. This would obviate crowding on the south ground at half-time. Mr Moloney moved that one senior game should ho played at the Show Grounds or elsewhere. Mr (J‘ Si M'Cully seconded the motion. Mr W. Britten said they would never be able to boost another ground while the chief game was being played at Lancaster Park. The chairman said that, the senior B matches were quite good games, yet they would not draw' at the Show Grounds. Mr A. Barrett: Lancaster Park is the home of football, and that is where the crowd goes. Mr Wilson: That is no argument. Our record gate was put up at. the Show Grounds. The public may possibly have lost the game for Merivale last Saturday, but. I am not saying that is the case. Mr A. Duggan said he did not like, the resolution. The playing of three matches* at Lancaster Park improved the keenness of the I 'public. At this point it was decided to go into committee on the motion of Mr Wilson, who said there were other point* he wished to raise. On resuming. Mr Britten said that the Competitions Committee knew the feelings of the members, and would give the matter consideratipn. Mr Moloney then agreed to withdraw his motion.