Committee OKs MDC Purchase of Arena

Prospects for an iceless hockey season next winter diminished yesterday, as a Massachusetts legislative committee approved purchase of the Boston Arena by the Metropolitan District Commission.

The bill approved by the state legislature's Committee on Metropolitan affairs would set up a five-member, paid Boston Arena Authority to operate the property. It was anticipated that an expenditure of $450,000 would be necessary for the M.D.C. to acquire the Arena, if the legislature should approve the purchase.

Until yesterday, it had been expected that the Arena would be taken over by a New York syndicate, to be operated as a factory.