SYDNEY SQUARE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3083, 19 April 1892, Page 2

SYDNEY SQUARE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—l notice that the Hamilton correspondent af the Herald has kindly taken Sydney .Square under his protection ; as a rule he is not so solicitous for our welfare. It has leaked out (which will be much to his surprise) that the suggestion to raise the question he has, has been done in the interests of a certain clique on the West side known as the Claudelands Syndicate. It has long been suspected that some underhand dodge would be resorted to, to force the holding of football and cricket matches at Claudeland3, and this no doubt has been looked upon by those behind the scenes as a very clever step to start with, but business people and residents of Hamilton East are not quite such fools ns not to dee through such a palpable dodge.—l am, &c, Buttons.

Hamilton East. P.S.—As one reaping some benefit from these gatherings on Sydney Square, 1 am quite prepared to contribute to a fund for putting the ground in good order for our footballers and cricketers.

TO THB EDITOR. Sir, —I am given to understand that the application made to the Hamilton Domain Board by the Waikato Cricket Association to have the gates at the corners of Sydney Square shifted or closed has given considerable umbrage to the " public" of Hamilton as an outrageous infringement of their prescriptive rights—namely, the right to make a public thoroughfare of a recreation ground. As a member of the Waikato Cricket Association, I was given to understand that the Square was a recreation gronnd, and that an application such as was made would be favourably considered by those in authority. If I am in error in supposing that the ground was set apart for recreation, but was meant as a public thoroughfare, I hope the "public" of Hamilton will acquit the members of the Association of aay wish to infringe their rights. If, as is contended, it is a thoroughfare, then the cricketers or footballers of Waikato have no more right to play there than they have to play in the main street of the town. I am quite aware that the Hsmiltonians are very jealous of any interlopers enjoying any of their advantages, but nevertheless do I think it very short-sighted policy on their part. As a member of the Association, I would rather seek elsewhere for a suitable ground for cricket, football and other games than come into conflict with the " public " of Hamilton, and should a proposition to do so come before the association, it will have the support of one Member,