PUBLIC GROUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1926, Page 11

PUBLIC GROUNDS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Your report of the deputation to the council by the Tennis Association, asking for a rebate of £2400 for work done at the Miramar courts, was interesting reading, and I think Councillor Bennett deserves thanks for raising the question of use by the general public. It seems to me that these public grounds have been secured by the Tennis Association, and they now propose to cater for a certain number by charging a prohibitive annual subscription. At present the only courts available for the ordinary player are at Day's Bay. The local clubs appear to be secluded and limited, and no encouragement is given to the player who desires a quiet game for exercise and enjoyment. The "children1" talk of the deputation is piffle. If the council considers the application at all, it should insist upon a quid pro quo that the courts, or at least a portion of them, are at all times open to the general public at a charge per game similar to that chai'ged at Day's Bay.

It seems to me that sports associations have of late been too generously dealt with relative to public grounds. We have the Football Asosciation exclusively running the Basin Reserve and making unfair extra charges for the enclosure and stand, the Rugby Union charging every Saturday at Newtown Park for second-rate matches, and now the Tennis Association asking for £2400, which could be well spent in more serviceable directions. I hope that Councillor Bennett mil still keep his eye on these "sporty" associations and their use of the publio reserves. —I am, etc., LOVE ALL-NO ADVANTAGE. 7th September. i