CAMPAIGN FOR SPORTS GROUND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 31, 3 July 1939, Page 4

CAMPAIGN FOR SPORTS GROUND

IN throwing out the suggestion of combined Sports Queen Carnival for the purpose of effecting improvements in the Whakatane Domain, the BEACON has given a lead that has met With the warmest endorsement. All sporting organisations appear to be ready to sponsor the project providing that a reasonable assurance can be given that the objectives in. view will be achieved. What is now apparently awaited for is a lead that will bring the various sporting institutions together for the purpose of a round-the-table discussion on the whole plan of campaign. The Domain Board has promised its co-operation and support, while enquiries made have elicited the information that there is also the likelihood of a Government subsidy being forthcoming on the final sum raised. All parties footballers, cricketers, hockey players, A. and P. Association members and players, basketball the Board members themselves are agreed upon the broad points that the ground is sadly in need of accommodation for athletic contestants, for the comfort of the general public and th© proper fencing off and conduct of field events. All are equally agreed that the lack of funds to effect these desirable improvements makes their achievement impossible. The first step is therefore the raising of funds and a Queen Carnival, furnishes the fairest and most equitable medium. By this method contributions are kept down to a level that permits all to participate, without being an undtily heavy burden on any one section of the community. It is desirable from a social standpoint, and further, in this instance, 'will serve as a, permanent advertisement for the Domain and the events which take place thereon. It is not the intention or the policy of this paper to merely stir up the public conscience without having some constructive idea in mind for the ultimate execution of the project in view. Steps have been taken to contact responsible officers of the town's sporting bodies, and' in every instance the proposal for the staging of a Queen Carnival, during the forthcoming winter, has re : ceived enthusiasm and support. As the accepted news organ of the town of Whakatane and the surroundung districts, and 1 as the people's mediiyn for the expression of public opinion, the BEACON' feels ut incumbent upon itself to take the initiative in calling a meeting of all sporting bodies in the near future, and learning first hand from'the discussion that takes place the true attitude towards the local public domain as the peoples; recreation area. The date will be announced following further enquiries as to the most suitable time and place for such conference. What must be borne in mind in the meantime, is that Whakatane needs a properly equipped .sportiing area, that will bring it into line with other centres of its size and population. Unfortunately at the present time the ideals: of true sport seem to be lost in the fog of petty local jealousies and deliberate misunderstandings on minor matters that should never have been permitted to reach the committee table. The thing we have to emphasise mainly is that "the game's the thing—not the gate."