Now or Never-A Sports Ground for Kingston.
To all intents and purposes the question of the acquisition of a sports ground for Kingstonian and the immediate district is one of "now or never," and the issue still hangs in the balance:. At Monday's meeting, convened with a view to securing the Old Kingstonians' Football Club ground, and summoned at very short notice, the purchase price, including the buildings upon it, was given as £2,225, and the company present were enabled to see their way to rather more than half this sum. This was a very promising start, and there was in consequence a distinctly, optimistic note throughout the proceedings. The question is whether during the ensuing fortnight, the period for which the meeting stands adjourned, the balance of the purchase money can be obtained, together with an additional sum for working expenses. Including, as it does, the commodious and well-built stand and several minor buildings and much sports material, the proposed purchase represents a bargain which should be an inducement to renewed and strenuous effort to. obtain the full sum required, and our hope is that the progress on Monday will be an incentive to other patrons of sport to come forward and assist the enterprise. Richmond supports an athletic ground for itself, which is unquestionably a great asset to that town, and surely Kingston should show itself not less capable. There is one all-important point in the negotiations; the option to purchase expires, to-morrow, May 1; but Mr. Judd, the owner, is to be approached with a view to a reasonable extension, and it is greatly to be hoped that he will be disposed favourably to consider it, if only for sentimental reasons. Meanwhile, at a time when sports grounds are being sought after with keen persistence, here is a well-appointed and centrally situated arena to be obtained at a price which has everything to commend it, and we doubt not that sportsmen in Kingston and its immediate vicinity will recognise the opportunity that confronts them and use it to their advantage.

From Surrey Comet dated 30 April 1919- See report in original format.


NOTES ON SPORT. Football.
It was quite like old times to see the esteemed hon. secretary of the Surrey County F.A. presiding at a sports meeting in Kingston, and on Monday night Mr. W. J. Wilson was very Cordially greeted.
Every effort is being made to get the Old Kingstonians together again, and it is hoped many of those who helped to make the club the most successful organisation in Surrey will again be in the ranks of the players.
The only thing that presents any real difficulty is the ground question, and, with almost a certainty of the Old Kingstonians being in the Athenian League next season, it would be a matter or great regret if the arena formerly used by the O.K.'s passed into other hands.
That such a real misfortune, so far as Kingston's sport is concerned should befal is difficult to realise, and one would think that the peril only needs realising to call for the most vigorous effort to avert it.

A SPORTS GROUND FOR KINGSTON.
Old Kingstonians' Field May be Had for £2,225.
Estimated Revenue if Purchased.
To consider the best means of purchasing the sports ground that lies between Kingston and Malden, and is well-known throughout the county as the Old Kingstonians' Football Ground, a meeting was hold at the Scotch café on Monday evening.
Mr. W. J. Wilson, the esteemed hon. secretary of the Surrey County F.A., presided, supported by Dr. R. N. Goodman, Mr. W. J. Brown and Mr. C. Brockwell, and amongst those present. were Mr. G. Batson, Mr. A. H. Marriott and many representatives of sports clubs in the borough.
In opening the proceedings the Chairman dwelt on the importance of sports grounds as an asset to any district, and gave a few particulars of what, neighbouring clubs were doing, mentioning Wimbledon. Guildford, Godalming and Reigate. He understood they in Kingston were faced by absolutely the last chance to acquire a sports ground, and he urged them to lose no opportunity of securing such a fine arena as the one known practically all over the county as the Old Kingstonians' ground. He could assure them that the Surrey F.A. would play as many of the county matches there as was possible. (Applause.) The men were now coming back, and opportunities for their recreation should not be less than before the war but greater. (Hear, hear.) He claimed that no sportsmen played a greater part in the war than did footballers because of their fitness, discipline and initiative.
Facts and Figures.
Mr. W. J. Brown then proceeded to give facts and figures. The ground could he purchased. for £2,225, but a decision had to be given by May 1. The area was 6 3/4 acres, and the price included all the buildings on the site, including the large stand and a quantity of sports material. This, he thought, was a tempting price, but beyond the £2,225 they must have a certain sum for working expenses. It was not expected that, if they bought the ground, it was going to show an immediate return, but he had not the slightest doubt there were many men in Kingston who were prepared to forgo their interest in such circumstances.
Probable Income.
Mr. Brown then gave an outline of probable income, but, as was subsequently pointed out by many speakers, the figures were much below what clubs would have to pay at the present time. The figures were:- Tennis £70, football £35, cricket £25, Wednesday cricket £10, other lettings £30: total £170. That of course, was without labour. What seemed most clear to him was that the ground offered exceptional facilities, and there was the possibility of an approach from Surbiton. He saw no reason why the ground should not be developed in a manner similar to Richmond Athletic Ground.
Mr. Sheehy said the figures quoted for income could be greatly increased. The actual outgoings at the present time were £32 15s. 11d. per annum, but the upkeep would, of course, be much more. He did not think the meeting needed to be told that the vendor had a wide circle from which to select a buyer, and if Kingston really wanted a sports ground it was now or never.
Now or Never.
Dr. Goodman said that recently he had made a reference to grounds, and in view of the fact that they were confronted with a very large building programme it was obvious that in a very few years every available site within easy reach of London would be taken. If the arena they had in view was not secured now the chance would be gone for ever. They were told it was well drained; it was offered at a reasonable price and its value would be enhanced in the future. He thought the suggested income of £170 was very much below what could be obtained from such a site.
Mr. A. H. Marriott gave details of what had been done in the transformation of five acres of cabbage at Ashford into a very charming sports ground, and he saw no reason why such a centre as Kingston should be less capable. He regarded a properly qualified groundsman as essential.
Mr. S. Emms suggested they should ascertain what those present were prepared to do with regard to financial support and promises representing £1,100 were obtained.
Mr. S. Emms thought there would not be the slightest difficulty in securing the remainder if a little more time could be granted, and it was ultimately agreed to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight, on the understanding that the vendor would extend the option to purchase.
Those present undertook to make every effort to enlist interest and support, and the meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chairman and to the "Surrey Comet" for the prominence given to the matter in Saturday's issue.
Mr. W. J. Brown, 22, Milner-road, Kingston-on-Thames, will be glad to hear from anyone desirous of assisting the effort.

From Surrey Comet dated 3 May 1919- See report in original format.