"Rep." Matches in Wairarapa.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7216, 25 July 1902, Page 2

"Rep." Matches in Wairarapa.

ITO THE EDITOR.]

Sir, —I never for a moment considered Masterton was the " hub " of the universe ; but I really did think it entitled in every sense to give the lead in most matters, so far as Wairarapa is concorned. Evidently I am misled in so believing, as may bo many others, and towns like Carterton and Greytown must possess a certain charm to visitors .un*. known to candid critics from door." In February, the autumn evenings in Carterton reveal tho golden " Gates of tho West" in truly majestic splendour; but in winter, one should attend a " rep." football match on tho Reserve, to fully appreciate and enter into the keen joy of the visiting team. Picture an aero of ground in mid-winter almost entirely surrounded by Pinus Insignis, and " Old Sol " vainly strug. gling to get a peep in all day and can't, even edgewise. There it rains a little occasionally—almost always—no sun, only shadow from the pino trees, and you have the "reserve" —(for what, I don't know, except it bo a footballers' cemetery)—on which Wellington met —and Canterbury will meet—Wairarapa this season. Then there is Greytown, Sir, and its Recreation Ground, which is a little nearer the ■ mark. I pity Southland, which is to play there in September. The reasons urged by those responsible for the South, Island teams meeting Wairarapa "in outlandish parts" are inadequate. Moe« terton has its fine Park Oval, where some of the best games ever witnessed have taken place. If Carterton really were in earnest, they would long ago have secured " Carrington Park" for the "rep." matches, and then something like a good " gate " would induce the Rugby Union in Wairarapa to award them an sional " rep." match ; but tho Rsserve gives anyone tho "cold shivers" to think of. It should long ago have been discarded as unfit even for schoolboys play upon. In all seriousness, I help looking upon the delegates' decision in the light of " a really huge joke/ of "piece of grim satire" upon the credentials of Masterton, and tho weL come and accommodation it can offer the visitors.—l am, etc.,

Enthusiast.