CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1921, Page 3

CRICKET.

QUESTION OF PLAYINB AREAS, NEXT SEASON’S REQUIREMENTS. The question of providing playing areas for next season was discussed at a well attended meeting of cricketers held in tte Soldiers’ Club, New Plymouth, last night. Mr. W. C. Weston presided. The chairman said it would be remembered that there was a possibility of losing Reserve T, and after some agitation the Borough Council consented to give a lease of, the grounds. There were certain conditions attached, among which was that tte reserve had to be ploughed and sown before June of this year. In revjewlng the negotiations in connection with securing grounds, Mr. P. Stainton said it had been realised that if cricket was to progress permament playing areas must be available. Some controversy had arisen over the question, as there was a proposal to secure the reserve for a school site. Those who had sought to secure the grounds for sport, however, were not against the institution of a new school at West End, as had been alleged, and the statement that they were opposed to the best site being secured for the children was ridiculous, as those who had signed the leas* as trustees had always shown particular interest in educational matters. A number of guarantors had come forward, and there was about £35 at deposit in the bunk. Some of the signatories nad not yet been called in.

With the advent of the Saturday half-holi-day almost certain, said Mr. Stain ton, more facilities must be provided in the matter of playing grounds if cricket was to progress The ga<me was undoubtedly on the wane through lack of facilities. To a great extent the cricket players had depended on the High School, and had certainly received very generous support, but it was time tte association assumed the responsibility that was undoubtedly theirs. A sports committee had been formed with the idea of improving Pukekura Park, and as the body was a live one there were good prospects of something being done on this ground. In reply to a question, the chairman said the area of Reserve T was about nine acres. General discussion ensued as to the best method of improving the grounds, and it was decided to proceed with work on the reserve as soon as possible. The following sub-committee was appointed to go into tte question of ploughing, with power to act: —Messrs. V. Elliott, O. Osborne, W. H. Moyes, E. Whittle, P. E. Stainton, and W. N. Stephenson. A finance committee was appointed as follows : Messrs. G. W. Palmer, G. Dinniss, A. Bewley, A. Morrison, W. H. Quickfail, P. Sheppard, F. Willis, VV. C. Weston, and C.

It was decided to thank Messrs. Govett, Quillian! and Hutchen, for a donation of £4 15s (the legal expenses Incurred in th/ preparation of the lease).

The chairman remarked that when the ground was in order there wzald be the possibility of using it for football. In which case an addition to the revenue could be made.

The grounds committee was empowered io -confer with the sports committee in putting down a wicket and practice wickets in order to have them ready for next year.