THE OVAL.

Evening Star, Issue 4134, 27 May 1876, Page 2

THE OVAL.

To the Editor. km, —ln the matter of the football ground question, it is evident that the D.C.C. and the D. I.C. don’t hit it.” Jn my humble opinion football playing does not do any material injury to the ground, and if there are one or two bits of turf kicked up a very small amount—expended by the 'D.F.C. at the end of the season—would put that all right. On reading the account of the meeting of cricketcra held last night, I could hardly help noticing tho arbitrary mode of procedure entered upon by the D.C.C. If the Oval is a public recreation ground, why should the cricketers wield despotic authority in the matter of who is to use it and who isn’t ? Of course if they spent a large amount of money on it they have a right—although perhaps not a legal one—to some consideration at the hands of the footbaliists; but t think that Mr C. C. Kettle’s proposed decision, viz., that the “D.F.C. should not have tho use of the ground,” is simply absurd, if the ground is, as it is generally supposed to be, a public recreation f round. On looking at the map of Dunedin find said piece of ground marked ‘ ‘ Southern Recreation Ground,” and “ Oval,” but nothing to show that it was put aside s ilely for cricketing purposes; and I certainly think Mr Rose perfectly justified in his expressed intention to exercise the legal right to use the ground for football playing. The Chairman stated that the “D.C.C. stood upon their rights for haring made the ground whatit is.” Now if some private individuals ore kind enough to fill up a piece of swampy ground, does that alter the fact of its being public property ? I also think that the Oval is far enough to come home from after a hard day’s work ; but if it is the intention of the D.F.C. to play out by Forbury, the sooner ,we get tramways the better. In conclusion I would beg to point out the fact of a great many holes being loft in the North Recreation Grounds where the posts have been taken out, A neater trap could hardly have been placed for a broken leg or ancle. If this piece of ground were levelled and turfed it would be first-rate for football, a same which, when conducted with humane rules, is, in my opinion, the most healthful and exhilarating exercise one can enjoy. Hoping that the slight fracas between the clubs will soon be arranged amicably, and that I am not trespassing too much, I am, &c., _ Mark. Dunedin, May 27.