LANCASTER PARK

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 10

LANCASTER PARK

Sir, —Now the true position has come to light concerning the letting of Lancaster Park—that the Rugby Union, ndt the Victory Park Board of Control, has the right to approve or refuse its use by outside organisations. It seems that something should be done to alter this unfair and unsporting stranglehold. In the near future we shall have a new Governor-Gen-eral, Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., who has a world-wide reputation as a sportsman and a gallant soldier. No doubt those individuals on the Rugby Union will be falling over themselves to be recognised and will invite him along to that holy of holies that must not be desecrated by a low League player. Ask his Excellency what he thinks of the way the boot is being put into some of Jhose who helped to bring honour to himself, New Zealand, and the Bth Army—those Desert Rats.—Yours, etc., H. W. MOORE. June 9, 1946.

Sir,—The stand the Training College and New Brighton teams took on the King’s Birthday indicates that the senior clubs have some say in the running of Rugby in Christchurch. I think at least 95 per cent, of senior footballers would like to see the English touring side in action; and it is up to the union to cancel all games for that day and allow this team to play on Lancaster Park. If this'is not done, I would suggest the senior teams banding together and refusing to play that Saturday. I am a member of a senior team and of the few of our team I have spoken to all are of the opinion that the union is taking a narrowminded, unsportsmanlike, and ungentlemanly attitude towards our visitors. I am one who is in favour of telling the Rugby officials where to go that Saturday.—Yours, etc., . HONNETE SOIT. June 10, 1946.