DOMAINS AND SPORT.

Waipa Post, Volume XIX, Issue 1102, 7 June 1921, Page 5

DOMAINS AND SPORT.

QUESTION OF PERCENTAGES. A REDUCTION ASKED FOR. At a former meeting of the Te Awamutu Domain Board it was decided to ask -the footballers to contribute 25 per cent of the amounts collected at the Albert Park gates on the occasion of football fixtures, so as to assist the revenues for the upkeep of the grounds. This request was responsible for a deputation from 'the Waipa Rugby Union, which waited on the Board last night to seek reduction in percentages. The deputation consisted -of Messrs S. Walker, I. F. McDonald, and J. Crotty. Mr Walker prefaced his remarks by stating that the footballers were ready and willing to assist the -Board in -the -maintenance of the domain, but they considered the present proposed percentage too high. If the percentage was to .be regarded as a precedent for all those who used the park it was surely too big an amount to claim. If, on the other .hand, the footballers were singled out, and the others would be called upon to pay less, it would be most unfair. The footballers had received no special consideration in the -preparation of •the grounds, and whatever had been done so far was for the benefit of all sports bodies. Up to the -present there had been no charge made by the footballers for admission to the grounds, and the money taken at the gates was merely a donation to the sport by the people. The suggestion was -put forward by the Union that the Board receive 10 per cent of the takings when an admission charge is authorised; an alternative was to pay a lump sum of £lO to the Board for the use of the grounds during the football season; and another -proposal Was that the Union take over the grounds and maintain them for the season, with proper safeguards to protect the grounds -and -the interests of other bodies that would use them. In conclusion, Mr Walker explained that the Union was not a strong body financially, and had actually closed its last season with a debit balance. Mr McDonald explained various details of the. expenditure which the Union had to meet.

The Mayor appreciated -the reihark that the footballers were ready to recognise that the Board had to have revenue to maintain the ground. He suggested that the Union’s -revenue in the past could not be taken as an indication of the. revenues in the future. The domaip was a public playground, and the people—through the Board—had provided improved facilities for the -sports bodies. He thought that the revenue would show an improvement in the future. Mr McDonald explained -that the revenues so far this season did not justify the Mayor’s prediction. As a matter of fact, there were many people who refused to contribute toward the maintenance of the Union at the entrance gates.' The clubs had considered removing to another ground, as there were certain disadvantages on a public domain.

Cr Spinley -thought the Board could not do justice to -the clubs until it had an indication of the Union’s finances. The Board had no desire to injure the interests of-sport by making an unfair demand, but, on the other hand, the grounds had to be maintained. There was no desire to show a profit on the charges, and whatever revenue was derived would be spent on keeping the -grounds in order. He suggested that the ques-i tion be referred to the finance committee for report.

,Cr Oiliphant suggested that a rental charge be fixed after having obtained an indication of the number of clubs needing -the grounds and the anticipated expenditure. Cr Downes -said that the idea was to ask 25 per cent on collections only, leaving the percentage on authorised charges to be fixed from time to time. If 10 per cent was the basis the Board might not be able to maintain the domain as it should be maintained. The fact could not be evaded that the grounds! had to :be maintained, although, on the other hand, all organised sport was to have encouragement. He agreed with Cr Oliphant that inquiry as to necessary revenues •and expenditure should be considered from the -point of view of the clubs and the Board.

-Cr Wynyard also supported this latter suggestion.

The Mayor explained that the Board had no precedent to follow, and the matter of fees could only be determined from year to year.

Finally the whole question was referred to a committee consisting of Crs Spinley, Downes,' Bygrave, and Wynyard for report at next -meeting.