GRANTING OF DOMAIN TO RUNANGA CLUB IS QUESTIONED

Grey River Argus, 8 April 1948, Page 2

GRANTING OF DOMAIN TO RUNANGA CLUB IS QUESTIONED

At a meeting of the Runanga Borough Council when the matter of the lease of the local Domain to the Rugby Leagu football' club came up for completion, the Mayor, Mr G. E. English, said that in his opinion, it was not right that one body should have sole right, over this public property, as thereby the use of it. was being denied to others. He could not understand the action of the Minister of Lands in granting the lease of a public domain. An explanation was made by Cr S. Braithwaite, who said that when the League Club originally made the proposal. it had the idea of developing a field of its own, and of spending money to provide facilities. No club would do this without, having control of the area. That all money spent and now being spent on the Domain was public money \vas the contention of Cr C. Rafferty, who said that all spevts should be treated equally. .He felt that when the Minister approved of the lease he was not acquainted with the position. CHANGE OF TUNE A point of order was raised by Cr A. Brown who said that he had been appointed at the last meeting the club and complete the lease if it were desired by the club. No indication had been given by the 'Council of any objection. Now, said Cr Brown. Councillors were changing their tune. He had objected at the time, said Cr Rafferty. That the Minister had approved the lease was beyond his understanding. “Well why did you not instruct me accordingly when 1 was deputised to see the League people,” replied Cr Brown. The Mayor intervened stating that, he did .not want any misunderstanding. If a past. Council had made a commitment, the present Council would honour it. The League Club had acquired another area on which to spend funds, and he did not Ihink that they would have sufficient to spend on the Domain. It was his opinion that the matter would be settled if the Club were invited to meet the Council and discuss the point. A League v. Soccer controversey was not desired, but it would be so much the better if the League Club would agree to share the ground with other sports. It was decided that the League Club be invited to meet the club at its next meeting. HIGHWAY TRANSFER That it was the intention of the Main Highways Board to take control of a section of the Westport-Grey-mouth main highway running through the borough was advised by the hoard. The whole of the upkeep of this portion would be borne by the board. The Council agreed to the proposal, provisionally on the transfer not affecting the rating of properties fronting the highway. , VANDALISM COMPLAINT A new door is to be fitted to the front" of the gymnasium hall at Runanga, following the receipt, of more complaints about vandalism in the hall. Mr G. E. English said that it would cost about £3OO or more to have the building put in good order, but it was essential first to make it safe from intruders. Arrangements are to be made with five organisations using thp building to take t-he responsibility for having it cleaned.