MARTON RECREATION GROUND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9437, 6 May 1909, Page 5

MARTON RECREATION GROUND.

SIR, —To explain what I called the “strange” conduct of the Hockey Olnb in consulting Mr Wilson before using the Park ground. I did not know that the Cricket Club need be consulted ; in fact, I was under the impression that the Borough Council was the authority that controlled the Park. Football is the national sport of New Zealand, and for the Secretary of the Cricket Club to suggest that the Cricket Club should have control of the eastern ground—which he does, by saying that it was courtesy on the part of the Hookey Club to ask his permission—is, to say the least, presumptuous.- If' cricket and hookey were played in the same season, it might be a different matter. The Football Club is the strongest and, best supported club in Marton, but we do not think it discourteous on the part of the Cricket Olnb in not asking our permission before playing their matches. Mr Wilson “piffles” when he says he “suggested” that the schoolboys should not kick a football on the'' eastern ground: I am neither a parent nor a school teacher, but I am a member of a club which is endeavouring to encourage school football in Marton, and, therefore I have a right to look after their football interests. We like to see them take to a game, which, although it might do a few pounds worth of damage to the turf (as far as cricket is concerned), certainly turns out men who are at least broad-minded sports.—l am, etc., ROBT. ' OALMAN. Hon. Sec. Marton F.O.