RACECOURSE RESERVE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 225, 11 February 1913, Page 4

RACECOURSE RESERVE.

Pu:.Tl,:\' WANTED RY CRICKETERS.

ROllnrfUl 1 orxi !L APPROACHED,

The North Tavanaki Cricket Association some time ago appointed a committee Id report on any suitable ground which would be available as a cricket ground. The committee has now submitted its report in favor of obtaining a portion of the Racecourse Reserve. Cricket lias hitherto been carried 011 in the Park ground, but for want of room, which is a serious consideration now that cricket is rapidly becoming a popular game here, and the defective light which is experienced owing to the trees 011 the margin of the cricket field, make it necessary to find a new locality if possible. There is also the consideration that the Park grounds are used for other games calculated to injure the cricket field, and also on many days in the year are engaged for other purposes, owing to which cricket is necessarily postponed. P>y the New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserves Act of ISS7. section sub-section 2, it is provided (inter alia) that the borough shall set apart a siiliicient portion of the Reserve" for (lie purpose of a racecourse, and may allot any portion of the land comorised in the inner bounrfarv of the course for (he use of cricket, either exclusively or .jointly with any other game or .'.'.allies which, in '.he opinion of the Comieil. shall not lie -aiculated to injure the cricket, rn'cmml.

In pointing out, Hie foregoing facts in a letter to the Borough Council last night. "Mr. 0. flivy (president of the North Yaranaki Cricket Association! state,] thai, evidently in the minds of the trainers of lite Aft it was contemplated (hat the reserve would, amongst other things, be used for cricket, as being one of the most popular recreations of every British community. He therefore, on behalf of the Association, requested the Council that, in pursuance of the powers conferred on it by the above Act. to grant to tlx" Association the exclusive right of use for cricket pur |h im's of an area of about two acres of land situated within the present racecourse. The Association would require liberty lo t'eiic. the area granted for the occasion of mkin matches ol importance, to impose an entrance fee. Tt would al-o r.qiiin power to plough and grass the enclosed area, to lay down eriekei pitches, and generally within such area to determine the conditions under which matches should be played. In asking- the Council to give immediate effect to the application, Mr. Grey pointed out that the season was slipping away, and the Association wished, if possible. to get immediate possession of the ground, with a view to putting it in order for the next, cricket season. ItKFKRIiKD TO A COMMITTEE. Tlie Mayor remarked that the question of granting an exclusive right to tun acres would require to be carefull)' looked into. Cave would have to be taken not to override the rights of football and hockey players.

Or. r.uxton thought that the more reviva! ion grounds available the better it would be for the town and townfolk. Tie moved that a committee. be set up to act in (lie matter and report to the Council.

Or. Amlniry thought it was a rather important oikm ion in the .Agricultural Soi-ii'ly. which body held a certain portion of llie enclo-inv i'or use at its annual show.

Or. (iilhert considered that there was plenty of room for the cricket, hockey and fool brill clubs. The part that the were desirous of obtaining would not interfere with the Agricultural Society, Or. l!ii\-ton's motion was carried, a commit iee. comprising the Mayor and Ors. Iluttiniore. Clarke and Stockcr. being appointed. The committee will have power lo act in connection with the application, and report fully oil the whole question of the rights to use the reserve.