FOOTBALL ON EASTON PARK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2883, 14 May 1925, Page 2

FOOTBALL ON EASTON PARK.

The question of footbal on Easton Park was again before the Borough Council on Monday night, when a. deputation consisting of Messrs S. Austin, H. Hutchins, F. Robinson and L. 8. Carmichael, (Horowhennn Rugby Union) and Messrs Smith and Stnrkie (Foxton Soccer Club) wailed on the Council with a request that the flat rate of .10s per day as set down by the old Council for the use of Easton Park, be substituted by a charge of 15 per cent, of the gate money. The deputation was introduced by Cr. WinstanTev.

Mr. Carmichael explained tlPc present position as regarded the Park and considered the flat rate too hard on sports bodies. He urged that the rate be substituted by a percentage charge of 15 per cent, of all gates. The Mayor (Mr M. E. Perreau) said lie quite appreciated the spirit that was being evinced to foster football, but the Council had to regard the matter from a business point of view. No man would let his house on a percentage basis of what the tenant earned.

Cr. Woods asked for figures showing the revenue derived from Easton Park when a percentage basis was charged. The Town Clerk produced figures, which showed that over the season the average paid was £1 per week.

Cr. Woods asked why this had been increased to 30s. by the old Council.

The Mayor: At- a previous meeting Mr WSnstanley, as a member of lhe deputation present, suggested 30s. ns a fair charge. Cr. Winstanley said that he thought the rate should lie reduced to £l. He had suggested 80s. previously to prevent a monopoly of tho Park by a certain local sports bodv.

Cr Cowley said the old Council had accepted that offer but bo was of opinion that this Council should rescind the Unit inn.

Mr. Carmichael said that rep. matches were to be handed round to all of tlie four centres, and good gates would be assured tins sea-

Cr. Parkin said they had heard ■hat same old yarn for six years, now but Foxton had not had much of a look in in regard to rep matches,

Cr. Thompson considered the Council should deal with the local dub and not the Union in regard to the use of the Park. The Town Clerk then briefly outlined the whole position. Mr Carmichael said that an amicable arrangement had been arrived at between the two sports bodies concerned, as to the use of the Park. Easton Park was the best ground for football and unless they could have the, use of it lie would not promise that a rep. match would be played locally this sea-

Atter further discussion the deputation! retired, and the Council tiicn reviewed the facts. Cr. Me Murray took exception to what he termed a threat on the part of Mr Carmichael that no rep. match would he played locally unless Rugby could have the use of Easton Park.

[t was finally decided (1) That the Standing Orders governing the teseinding of motions he suspended for this meeting and that the portion of the motion dealing with rental of Easton Park he deleted and (2) That the ilat rental for the use of the Park for football matches he set down at £1 per dav.