ATHLETICS GROUND.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1955, 12 January 1914, Page 6

ATHLETICS GROUND.

A NEED OF THE CITY

For the training of the young in manly sporte, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) thinks a properly-equipped athletia ground is a need in the city. Tho city, Bo considers, is fairly well equipped for general recreation purposes, .but as lie stated to a reporter on Saturday: "The. citizens lack a general • athletic ground specially equipped, for tho various branches. of athletic sports—running, jumping., walking, and tho rest—with provision for bath competition and'training.. Wo have no ground with permanent running tracks laid out, and jumping pits, and all the requirements for tho exercise, of athletics in all its forms. ' I admit, that for athletics to ■realise, their maximum benefit to .tho people such a ground -as this iii the city would be eminently desirable. In nty opinion, either Newtown Park or Athletio Park would meet requirements,';f the. necessary provision for athletics could bo made without curtailing, tho ■ space available for the games for. whi?n the grounds vers originally Kt aside. With regard'to Athletic Park,; l think if it conici be secured for the citizens on fair and reasonable terms, it would •cor. taiiiJv he a- distinct asset, and could he utilised for a pcrnmiseut athletic ground very satisfactorily." , tto suggests that the. object of tho 1915 Oitiswhs' Carnival might well ho to advance this movement for a permanent athletic ground, whether by constructing a stadium or by some lftss amhitiouß sehemc of forming permanent tracks and providing otter equipment on one at the , existing sporW grounds.