FOOTBALL GROUNDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8357, 18 February 1913, Page 3

FOOTBALL GROUNDS

LEAGUE v. RUGBY

POSITION AT PETONE. A large deputation, consisting of members of the Northern League and Rugby Union, waited upon the Petone Council last night for the purpose of hearing the report placed before the council by the (reserves committee. The report was to the effect that careful consideration had been given the application of the league, but the committee had come to the conclusion that the Petone Football Club had a prior right to the ground. The recoin mendation of the committee was, "‘That the Rugby Union be offered Nos. 1,2, and 3 grounds on the same conditions as last season. The council to receive 60 per cent, of the gate takings and the Rugby Union 40 per cent., and that an agreement be drawn up embodying these terms. St. David s to be offered a ground at £5, as last year, and the Northern League grounds at £5 per ground.” The Mayor (Mr McEwan) said the offer of the union, by allowing the council 60 per cent, of the gate taking, represented £l2O in monetary value. Last season the council received half the gate takings, tho amount received being £96. Petone had 120 playing members, and it simply meant that these players would have to play elsewhere. The Petone Football Club should not be altogether put on one side for an organisation that had yet to win its spurs. He moved, “That the committee’s recommendation be acceded to.” Councillor Piper said it vvas the Rugby Union that was being dealt with and not the Petone Football Club. He could not see why one club should have a pre-emptive right over a ground. Mr AV. S. Brice headed the league deputation, and said the league were compelled to offer an amount equal to the Rugby Union and only one ground was required. Ho considered the league had been badly treated, hive pounds had been charged them for a ground which was simply a lake. Tho league only wanted No. 1 ground when tho Petone team was playing elsewhere. What they contended was, that as residents of Pptone the league players had more right to the ground than outside clubs. They now offered £SO for one ground. Air H. Wright said that the league teams in Petone would pay £SO for one ground and forego 33 1-3 per cent, asked for out of tho takings. Mr W. J. Hardham said the rules of the Rugby Union would not allow Rugby players to play alongside league players. If the league was given, a ground tho Rugby players could not play on the recreation ground. Councillor Lodder said ho did not know one member of the league, but in fairness to them more consideration should have been shown them. He moved as an amendment, “That the league be allotted Nos. 2 or 8 ground at £SO per annum.” Mr Wright asked for the question to be held over, when the league would bring such an overwhelming offer that the council could not turn it down. ' Councillor Brosklebank spoke in favour of the union, as also did Councillors List and Cox. The amendment was lost and the motion carried by six votes to two.