COOK’S GARDENS SEATS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 314, 11 July 1930, Page 6

COOK’S GARDENS SEATS

Sir, —Your leader of the Bth. criticising the Mayor (Mr Bogers) for his actions in connection with thc seating on Cook’s Gardens for the British match warrants an explanation from some rospons.blc official of the Wanganui Rugby Union. In fairness to the Mayor), also being closely associated with the negotiations, which lead up to the hire of Cook’s Gardens for this particular match, I will explain everything that actually happened as a large body of ratepayers, sir, will be misled by your article. Firstly, the Rugby Union offered £25 for the use of Cook’s Gardens for this match. This was accepted; the Rugby Union realised it would have to bear the cost of preparing the grounds, etc. Secondly, the question of extra seating cropped up b the N.Z.R.U. informed our president, Dr. Adams, verbally that they would grant up to £5O for extra seating. Thirdly, a sub-committec consisting of the president, honorary architect, and myself met the Mayor, Town Clerk and City Engineer on the site. The Rugby Union wanted 300 additional seats in the enclosure. This was estimated to cost £75, We then asked the Mayor if the Council would subsidize us to the extent of £25, providing all the money was spent on work of a permanent naturei, and remained the property of the Council. This suggestion was evidently put to the works committee and approved of. As the time was getting short, the Council’s portion of the work was proceeded with, and I can assure you,, sir, that there was never a more disappointed man than our president, and also the officials of the Rugby Union, when they were informed that owing to the heavy expense incurred, and the risk involved the finance committee couldn’t make thc grant. But,, Mr Editor, has the Council lost over the match? £25 was paid for rent, this amount was spent on permanent seating. £45 odd was paid for preparing grounds, cleaning up, and dismantling overhead electrical gear. £ll was paid for motor accommodation. The two last items the Council should show 100 per cent profit. The Rugby Union paid its own staff for cleaning up and helping to prepare the ground. So the City Council coffers should benefit to at least £2O cash with £25 extra seating accommodation on Cook’s Gardens, which is about three times the amount any other sports body or institution pay for the hire of the ground. And in many cases it cost the Council far more to prepare it. In conclusion, sir, I am sure that the Rugby Union don’t want to see the City Council lose and as they are practically all ratepayers they realise the city interests arc their interests. Thanking you, sir, for giving this matter publicity. JT. MOYE.