COUNCIL ASKED TO ASSIST

Chronicle (Levin), 3 October 1946, Page 3

COUNCIL ASKED TO ASSIST

PREPARATION OF DOMAIN FOR CRICKET Ou Tuesday evening Mr. R. S. Downes, president of the Shannon Cricket Club, waited on the Shannon Borough Council to discuss the possibility of the council's assistance in preparing the local domain for the forthcoming cricket season. In presenting the cricket club's case, Mr. Downes stated that the club would be in a bad way financially this season, owing to the number of secondary school players needed to make up the local team. The speaker stated that many of the older members were giving up the sport, and it would prove too great an expense for the young players to have to pay for the cutting of the grass throughout the season. Mr. Downes stated that in the past members had to pay a sum each week, whether they played at Shannon or away, to keep the ground in order. This was paid over and above the usual subscription. It was pointed out to the council that it was due to the cricket club that the ground was in such a good condition last summer, and if it had not been for the club it was doubtful if the domain would have been in a suitable condition for the holding of the school picnic last year. Mr. Downes said that the cricket club realised the council could not afford to spend any great sum in getting the ground in order. ' In reply to a question by Cr. Lind, Mr. Downes stated that last season it required the services of a man and a horse mower one day a week to keep the ground in suitable condition for cricket. Cr. Clayton stated that the council should support the cricket club, and suggested that some aid be given. He then asked what the condition of the ground was like at present, and if it would require rolling. Mr. Downes replied that .the ground was rather rough and would possibly be a danger to players. Cr. Higgie then offered the club the use of a roller. When asked by Cr. Perry if spectators would pay admission to matches the same as they did to see football, Mr. Downes stated that the public was never asked to pay to see c^ub games in Horowhenua, and if they were > cricket would possibly lose the spectators. Cr. Higgie pointed out that where other sports bodies charged admission, the cricket club did not, and it, was in the interests of the sport that the council sho.uld help in any way possible. Cr, Clav-ton. in ;sunnortine' f!r

Higgie, said that the club had much expense in supplying gear, and it could not be expected to. keep the ground in good order if it had to ■rely on young players. On the motion of Cr. Higgie it was agreed that work to the extent of £10 10s be carried out on the domain.