THREATENED PLAYING AREA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1434, 8 May 1912, Page 6

THREATENED PLAYING AREA.

DISMAYED FOOTBALLERS. Eo])reseiitfltives of the local Rugby Union mid of (ho Wellington Football Association wailed yesterday upon Mr, G. Frost (chairman of Iho Citv Iteserves Committee) in reference to tlio proposal to hold a parade of Territorials at Newtown Park on the King's liirthdny, and n rehearsal parade on the Saturday pro. ceding that date. Footballers are very much exercised in mind over this matter, ns they fear that tlio ground will be so out up tlmt tho Reserves Committee will have to close Xwloivn Park for UlO re. mninder of tho football season. Tho deputation which waited upon Mr. Frost pointed out that tho closing of the Basin Keservo had already nccentuatcd the existing shortago of ground?, mid that it Newtown Park wc-ro also closed the position would becomo exceedingly difficult. It was added that,,whilo tho Government had been good enough io promise to put tho ground in order after the parade, this work would occupy a period of some nionths, during which the ground would have to closed. Mr. Frost agreed that the position was difficult, but. stated that tho council could not help itself. The ground was a public one, and the Defence Department nad verv extended privileges of access. At (ho 'same time, Mr. Frost remarked, iiie football people- had his sympathy, particularly as tho ground, at. tno present: time was in splendid condition; it had never been better. .Mr. Frost advised Use football organisations to uso their own ; inflnenoo with t lie Defence Deparlmentiht! council could do nothing.