EASTON PARK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2140, 15 June 1920, Page 2

EASTON PARK.

FOOTBALL GROUND TO- ‘(i PROVIDED. # A deputation, introduced by Cr. McMurray, representing the local footballers and supporters, waited on the Borough Council last night with the request that they should _ reconsider their previous decision not to lay off a football ground on Easton Park. The deputation consisted of Messrs F, Whibley, J. Desmond, T. Smith, White and McDonald.

Mr Whibley said they understood that the previous decision had been arrived at oh the assumption that there was not sufficient room at the eastern end of the ground for a. Held running north and south. The ground had since been measured, and it was found that there was ample room, and after allowing for the full width of a football ground. 75 yards, and a space at each side for spectators, there would he almost three acres left for beautifying purposes. '• Great interest was being taken in football locally, and having the matches j Hayed right in the centre of the town would lend to create a much greater interest in the game. The football Held if laid out, could also be utilised as a children’s playground. Mr J. Desmond endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, and said .that the football ground being at the back of the park would not in any way interfere with the beautifying scheme.

Cr. Thompson said lie was very much in favour of the footballers using the ground. In answer to a question by Cr. i\!cMurray, Air Smith said the footballers would be prepared to assist in getting the ground into order. The Alayor said he was quite sumpathetic with the idea of the footballers using Ihe ground, but the procedure already gone through somewhat complicated mailers. Mr Black had been advised to provide for tenuis courts and croquet lawns. However, the request would receive full consideration. The deputation thanked the Council for hearing them, and withdrew. The matter was considered later on in the evening, and it was unanimously decided, on the motion of the .Mayor, seconded‘by Cr. Coley, that the football ground lie placed at the eastern end of Easton Park, running the entire length from north to south, and four chains wide; tiermission to he given only for such period as (he ground is not required liy the Council for beautifying purposes, The conditions of (enure shall be: (1) The Club to be held responsible for any damage to shrubs, (2) Sunday plaVing of any games absolutely prohibited. Any breaches of these rules will render permission liable to be forfeited. Conditions re charges and percentages of takings due to the Council to be arranged by a conference between the Council and the Clubs.