A NEW RUGBY GROUND.

NZ Truth, Issue 92, 23 March 1907, Page 6

A NEW RUGBY GROUND.

The Wellington Rugby Union are likely to be "m serious "trouble before long m the matter of a playing ground. Sinister reports are afloat concerning the Athletic Park and it is rumoured that before long it will be m the hands of the land shark. If this should eventuate the Union will be sorely bothered to find a suitable ground for their big fixtures. It is reported that a conference between the Park directors and the Union Executive to affect a settlement was abortive. The terms the Park people asked for a further lease of the ground being altogether above what the Union officials deemed reasonable. The conviction that this report 'is not without good foundation is strengthened by the fact that the Union has made an offer to the City Council of the rights of a certain ground on the Kilbirnie Reserve. This proposal was discussed by the Council on Thursday night, and there is every probability of ' its being adopted, but this cannot eventuate for some time to come. In the first place the Council cannot move until Parliament passes an enabling bill allowing the resumption of that part' of the city reserve for this purpose,, and even when the necessary permission is given by the Council, that is providing the Union can come to terms, ft will take some time to have the ground prepared and the buildings and fences requisite erected. In the meantime there seems to be nothir>~ for it but for the, ' Union to knuckle under to the Athletic Park Company. But if all reports are true they won't get yie' chance. There are bigger profits vjh residential sites than recreation grounds these days.