THE OLD SHOWGROUND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9067, 16 April 1908, Page 5

THE OLD SHOWGROUND.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The action of the joint committee of the Red Star and Mastertan Football Clubs, in appointing a delegate to approach the Masterton A. and P. Association, with a view to purchasing: ten acres of the old Showground, including the stand, very forcibly indicates the value placed upon the site by the lovers of the dominion's national game. There is nothing to be said against the football and other clubs, or even individuals, attempting to acquire the land. but. if a comparatively small body of the citizens, like the footballers, consider it is a good speculation to offer to purchase ten acres and the stand, the most valuable portion and the key to the whole block, it would certainly appear to be good business for the community as a whole to secure the block—some 34 acres—for public purpose, thus preventing any particular section obtaining a monopoly. There are people in the Borough who think that by spending a few pounds on the 19 acres (river bed) adjoining the Park, that all necessary requirements with regard to sports would be fulfilled. Not so the devotees of football, who, it must be presumed, know something, or they would not be prepared to lay out a very considerable sum to obtain a site on the old Showground. Sooner or later the playgrounds at our public schools will become curtailed in area, as building requirements become greater and the attendance of scholars increases. Where could a better recreation .ground be found for them than the Showground, so easy of access and suitable in every way. The site is also pre-eminently fitted for band contests, fire brigade demonstrations, and many other purposes.—l am, etc., SPORTSMAN.