USE OF DOMAIN FOR RUGBY

Chronicle (Levin), 15 March 1946, Page 2

USE OF DOMAIN FOR RUGBY

revenue question i^aised - council's discussion j — The use of the Otaki Domain for rugby football was the subject of a lively discussion at the monthly meeting of the Otaki Borougii Council on Wednesday evening. The Otaki Football Club wrote asking for the use of the domain for the rugby season, and advising that it was mtended to hold a seven-a-side tournament there on Easter Saturday and to play a match with Petone on Easter Monday. A letter was also received from the Rahui Football Club requesting the use of the domain, while a third letter was from the Horowhenua Rugby Union seeking the use of the domain on the usual terms of ten per cent. of the gross gate takings. It was stated that maintenance of the domain had cost £81 3s 4d this year, and that the income was £21, including £15 rent of a non-recuring nature. The highest sum the Council had received from the union was £8, while in one year the amount was only 6s. The Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) considered that in bad weather the Council should give consideration to the ground, and see that it was not used in an unfit cohdition. The Council should exercise its right to .->ay whether the ground was fit or otherwise to play on. Cr. Cook stated that football was not a game whereby profit" was looked for. It was for the good of young folks and it was pleasing to know that several of the young men who had seen war service were Otaki footballers, some of whom had gaincd commissions on the field of battle. It was pleasing to see sucli records, and it should be the aim of all to cater for the young men. The charges for domains in other towns was on a 10 per cent. basis of gate takings. He moved that the union be granted the use of the domain on the same terms as last year. Cr. Bartosh was of the opinion that the percentage was too low. and he had the support of Cr. Bennett. It was pointed out that the Council was under considerablc expense in keeping the ground in order. Cr. Cook drew attcntion to the i'act that the membership fees for club players was only 2s 6d, while there was considerable expense in the purchasing of jerseys, shorts and boots. There was also insurance to pay, • so it would be seCn that there was no profit to clubs in general and very little to the union. Cr. Bennett held that it was not the duty of the Council to carry sports clubs on its back, and thought a higher fee than 10 per cent. should be paid. Cr. Young pointed out that sport had to be encouraged, and seconded the resolution. The takings of the union,' said Cr. Hakaraia, had been down, but this could not be avoided. He pointed out that it was the parents of the boys who playecl football wlic paid the rates, and who in the first instance had bought the ground. The players had also helped themselves by paying for the erection O: flood-lights, goal-poasts, etc. I1-: thought 10 per cent. quite a reasonable offer, and remark'ed that now the war was over there would b more games at Otaki, and a larger revenue for the Council as a result. It was agreed to accept the ofle' of 10 per cent., but the Council reserved the right to say when the ground was unfit to play on. In connection with the Otaki and Rahui Clubs, it was pointed out that there could only be one controlling bodv.

Cr. Cook thought the difficulties could be overcome by playing some games at 1.30 and others at 3 p.m. The domain was Otaki's home ground, Rahui in the past having had Mr. Whiteman's field. He suggested that the ground be allotted to thc Otaki Club, which could, without doubt, make suitable' arrangements with the Rahui Club. He anticipated no trouble in this •respect. The Athletic Club, stated' Cr. Cook, would finish its sports meetings on April 6. Cr. Bartosh thought the matter of the allocation of the ground could be left to the two clubs, who would amicably come to an agreement. This was agreed to, both clubs to be notified accordingly.