LEAGUE GAME & GROUNDS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1728, 19 April 1913, Page 12

LEAGUE GAME & GROUNDS.

[ 9 NEWTOWN PARK ASKED. THE CITY COUNCIL DECLINES. A deputation from the Wellington Rugby League was introduced to the CHy Council on Thursday by Councillor Jc'hii h idler, jim„ who stated that tho League was dissatisfied with tho grounds allotted by the lleserves Committee, and had come to impress upon the council the growing popularity of the gams, and the importance of the League's securing better grounds from the point of view of the public, in the interests of the game, and the interests of tramway revenue. _ Mr. S. llrice, who was the first speaker, informed the council that the League game was merely an improvement on liugby, and was growing in popularity. The League was not satisfied with (lie ground allotted at Wakefield Park, and .was desirous of securing one'at Nctt'town Park. If the council could see their way (o grant this, the Lcaguo assured them that i the game would prove a big draw to the public, and that there would Ire a consequential benefit to tho tramway revenue. Mr. L. Webb urged upon tho council the advisability of making (he city reserves pay, and suggested tho League matches that would be played' at Nowtcwu Park would prove it imich bigger draw than any Hugby games that would be played there. In answer to Councillor Puller, Mr. Price stated that the League proposed to make a charge for certain big matches only. Their principal reason for desiring a ground at Newtown Park was to be in it central position, in order that tho public might have an opportunity of seeing the game. Wakefield Park was too far away from town to attract the public. Wl)on the question later came before the council, it was moved by Councillor Puller that the recommendation of the Reserves Committee re allocation of grounds at Newtown Park should be referred back in order that the Rugby League might have tho benefit of u ground in a .central position. This was seconded pro forma by Councillor Pitzgcrald, in order that the committee might consider the representations of the deputation. The matter was disrated at some considerable length, but on being put to the meeting the amendment was lost, Councillor Puller's voice being the only one heard in support of the amendment.