GROUNDS WANTED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 8

GROUNDS WANTED

RUGBY UNION v. NORTHERN UNION. TWO SEPARATE OFFERS. Deputations representing the Wellington Rugby Union and the Northern Union League waited upon the Lower Hutt Council at its meeting last night to further their respective claims lor the use of the football grounds on the Hutt recreation ground. The Rugby Union offered £23 for the season and 33 1-3 per cent, of the gate. The Northern Union League offered £3O and 50 per cent, of the gate. Mr Perry, speaking on behalf of the Rugby Union, stated that his union had had the use of the grounds for years past, and early this year application had again been made on the same terms as last year, which was £25 and a percentage of the gate money. An agreement had been come to that four senior matches should be played at Hutt during the season. This agreement was carried out, and the union did not anticipate any opposition, and had it not been for a paragraph in a city newspaper the deputation would not have been present. If another body had offered more than the union, the union asked for a reconsideration of the matter, as more favourable terms could be obtained from the union. The Northern League only started football in Hutt towards the end of the season, and played only a few matches. It was contended that the union encouraged boys to play Rugby, and it was suggested that the union should claim preference in the matter of alloting the grounds. The Northern League game at Hutt might only last one-half or a season. The Waiwetn Rugby dub intended to put three teams in the field this coming season, and it was understood the Hutt Football Club would put in two teams. As far as was known, the Northern League would only have one team. As an alternative, it was suggested that the grounds be put up for tender. Mr Wright (Northern Union) said that there were no senior Rugby teams in Lower Hutt, and the Northern League team was a senior one. The previous speaker was only guessing when referring to the League. The League had great prospects and money was not going to stick them. It the •grounds were put up for tender the League would out-bid the union, and the matter would go on indefinitely. Despite what was said to the contrary, the League ‘intended to encourage junior players. The League submitted that its players at Hutt were ratepayers of the district, and merited more support than foreign teams that came to Hutt. The Mayor, in reply, said the council would give due weight to both applications. Personally he set his face against putting one body against another for the purpose of getting a better offer.. Councillor Hodgins said the reserves committee had recommended that the offer of the League be accepted, and he moved that that recommendation be given effect to. The Rugby Union had not treated the council fairly, and he had not seen a decent game played on the ground during all of last season. The Hutt Football Club had disbanded, and was not likely to re-form in spite of what had been said. Councillor Ball seconded the motion. Councillor Dawson opposed the resolution, as he did not agree with professionalism, and stated it would be a bad day for the young players of New Zealand when the League game got a hold, a a was the case in Australia. In the interest of the ratepayers he favoured the calling of tenders, and moved an amendment to that effect. Councillor Kempthorne said he was glad to find the financial position of the ground going up. He favoured tenders being called for. Councillor Blendon said he disagreed with the ground being put up for auction. He would like to see followers of both games provided for, and would support a ground being given to each at a rental of £ls each for the season. Councillor Roots thought it would be a good thing to oust the Rugby Union, if only for one season. It would liven them up. They came with a paltry offer and only desired to increase it when opposition appeared on the scene. Councillor Hobbs supported the motion, if only on the ground that the union had a monopoly of all the grounds in the district, and players of other games should be given a chance. The Mayor said he supported the amendment. In doing so he was not satisfied the way the offer had leaked out. Both applicants should be given a fair chance. The cost of the recreation ground had been a drag on the ratepayers, and now an opportunity offered for the ratepayers to get a return for their outlay. Upon a division being called for, the Mayor and Councillors Dawson and Kempthorne supported the amendment, and Councillors Knight, Hodgins, Clendon, Boots, Ball, and Hobbs the motion, which was carried. The Northern Union League’s offer was therefor© accepted.