Upgraded Dunedin venue prepares for its next phase

An aerial view of Logan Park and University Oval

The History of Logan Park, edited by John Heslop. Published by the University Oval Development Committee. Price $29.95.

It is interesting that books on two sports grounds in New Zealand should be published around the same time, especially when the subject matter is not entirely top of the pops.

The Basin Reserve's history is much more international in shape.

But in the case of John Heslop's effort of editing "The History of Logan Park", for the University Oval development committee, anyone who has ever been associated with the ground of significance in Dunedin and the home of Otago University's sport, will appreciate an enduring record of the Park's development from the tidal lake to the international standard sporting complex that will be presented when the latest ground renovations are complete.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Logan Park's University Oval will be the next Test cricket venue to be listed in New Zealand.

An extensive development has taken place at the ground, largely as the result of the continuing encroachment of rugby into traditional cricket time at the main sports ground in the city of Carisbrook.

Heslop provides an in-depth record of the characters and times that resulted in the development of the ground, largely pushed through after years of debate as the venue for Dunedin's Exhibition of 1925-26.

The arguments are well documented as is the life story of the man after whom the Park is named, John Logan.

An interesting style has been used in the book, to break up the material into more easily identifiable sections. And at the end of each section, an index is provided.

The second part of the book records the history of the Otago University Cricket Club which was based at the Park. Compiled originally in 1978 by esteemed Dunedin historian George Griffiths, the story is completed with an addendum by Heslop and it is sad to note a touch of concern about the future viability of the amalgamated clubs of University and Grange.

But Griffiths' work provides an indelible record of the club's place in Otago cricket history and recalls the strength of the club in the 1960s when it was able to call on a squad of outstanding strength, built around the fast bowling skill of Murray Webb and the abilities of players who had, or would, play first-class cricket in: Ray Hutchison, Murray Parker (who toured Pakistan and India with New Zealand in 1976), Richard Ellis, Graham Henry, Rudi Webster, Russell Stewart, Stewart Edward, John Mitchell and Ata Matatumua.

The Albion Cricket Club also featured at the ground for a significant period of its history, shifting to its home at Culling Park in 1958. The background of this club is provided by Iain Gallaway, and he recounts a fascinating tale of a run out at the bowler's end orchestrated by Albion's captain of the day, Walter Hadlee. The season was 1945/46 and Hadlee was the New Zealand captain at the time.

He attempted to run out former Otago fast bowler Ron Silver. The umpire said he wasn't out but Hadlee then proceeded to tell the umpire that Silver was out.

"The umpire stood his ground and so did Ron and we all waited apprehensively as the argument developed and tensions grew. Finally our skipper stated that if the umpire did not give Ron out the game would not continue so Ron was given out! Some 20 metres from the huts he threw his bat away and it crashed through one of the hut windows. He let everyone on Logan Park know in stentorian tones that he would never play another game of cricket - and he was true to his word!" Gallaway related.

A similar record of the most prolific provider of All Blacks for New Zealand's rugby teams, Otago University is also included in the book with the contribution provided by Hugh Tohill.

Each section has its own collection of timeless photographs.

The hope has to be that the burgeoning interest in New Zealand's history will be the inspiration for more local sporting histories of the this type. Logan Park is certainly well prepared for the next stage of its history as a result of Heslop's methodical work in this publication.