USE BY LEAGUE SUPPORTED

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24898, 11 June 1946, Page 4

USE BY LEAGUE SUPPORTED

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ ATTITUDE A suggestion that the Victory Park Board ot Control should endeavour to have the Canterbury Rugby Union reconsider its decision and agree to Lancaster Park being made available tor the match with the visiting English Rugby League team has been made by the committee of the Canterbury Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association. The decision was made after a full discussion on a letter from the Rugby League. “I may state that in ordinary circumstances my association has no desire to, and would not, enter into a controversy regarding football codes,” said the president of the association (Mr J. D. Davis) when announcing the decision. “The association came to the decision only because the match in question is an international one.” Statement by League President

“The storm of controversy that has appeared in the last few weeks is public opinion and has not emanated from the League executive,” said Mr L. G. Amos, president of the Canterbury Rugby Football League, yesterday, in a statement expressing disappointment with the attitude of the Rugby Union.' “All the League has done has been to apply courteously for the use of Lancaster Park. The League has done nothing more; but public opinion has expressed itself on the Union’s refusal to extend the hand of fellowship to our overseas footballers.”

Mr Amos said he felt concern as to the attitude the rest of sporting people would take. He felt that, in 1946, there was no need tor the bitterness so evident. Right through, the League had always held out the olive branch to the Union and complimentary tickets had been sent to the Union on the occasion of every important match. “And they have been used, too,” he added. However, those were side issues. All the visiting League players had served actively with the forces and the people were being appealed to to save butter and fats tor their loved ones in Britain, yet the footballers could not be offered just ordinary hospitality.

Applications for Ground The League made application to-both the Victory Park Board of Control and the Canterbury Rugby Union for the use of Lancaster Park on any one of the three following Saturdays—July 20 and 27 and August 3 —to enable the Christchurch public to see the English League team in action, said Mr Amos. The letter to the Victory Park Board was dated March 22 and that to the Rugby authorities May 4. As the itinerary at this juncture could not be completed owing to travel restrictions, the League could not ask tor a specific date. The Victory Park Board replied that, it was unable to comply with the request.. The Union’s letter said it “is not prepared to grant your request for the use of Lancaster Park- as this ground will be required every Saturday in the season for Rugby fixtures. I am further directed to advise you that, in the circumstances, my committee does not consider that any useful purpose would be ~erved by receiving a deputation, as suggested in your letter.” “After reading the Rugby Union’s letter it comes as a bombshell to learn from press reports that the Association football fixture—North v. South Island —is to be played at Lancaster Park on July 27, the day the English Rugby League team is scheduled to play in Christchurch,” said Mr Amos. “It is indeed unfortunate that these two major games will clash, as we have always endeavoured to work harmoniously with all other sports bodies. We are on the best of good terms with the Association Football people, and congratulate them on being able to secure a Saturday from the Rugby Union.”