FACILITIES FOR BASEBALL

Chronicle (Levin), 29 May 1946, Page 4

FACILITIES FOR BASEBALL

R. S.

MAY.

Sir, — Followers of baseball in the Levin area are somewhat concerned at the attitude of the Levin Borough Council with reference to their request for assistance in providing playing areas. In view of the number taking part in this fast-growing sport, the association wrote to the council regarding the matter with reference to the availability of Playford Park, which has stood idle for so long providing grazing for a few sheep, \yhereas it could provide a means of healthy recreation for many of our young citizens. The council's reply to the effect that there are no grounds available is inexplicible. We baseball players have no quarrel with other sports bodies, nor do we wish to appropriate other existing grounds, but we maintain that in providing a healthy and popular recreation for the young people "of the district we are entitled to a place in the sun, and to recognition by a body pledged to serve all the interests of the borough. The position at present is that extensive golf links are available, tennis is well provided for, basketball and -cricket have ample facilities, bowling greens have been made available by the council and football, perhaps rightly enough, is occupying pride of place in the matter of erounds.

The number of players resident ' in the borough and taking an active part in softball last season was ; fort.y, and I have ascertained that( the minimum of eighty will be play- j ing this coming season. It is reas^ onable to assert that in the Levin j borough area, softball has a follow- 1 ing of players larger than ahyl other summer sport. It includes j both sexes, and as previously point- j ed out the number is steadily grow- 1 ing. We fell we are entitled toj ask for recognition and encour- ! agement from the council in fur-i thering a sport providing a useful' civic purpose in occupying the leis-j ure time of our youth. In the past seasons softball has 1 been played on grounds kindly i lent by the Horowhenua Rugby I Union, but as the area is leasedj during the summer for the grazing of sheep, it will be readily understood that it is not in a suitable condition for playing on. Further, on one occasion last season when a special match with a visiting team was to be played, the council was asked to mow the dia- ! mond and refused to do so. Baseball players f eel that they ! have a justifiable grievance in that! they have twice only asked assist- { ance from the council and on both ! occasions it hag been refused. Other! interested supporters may have ! some further ideas on this matter. | Yours etc..

Levin, May 28.