RESOLUTION OF R.S.A.

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

RESOLUTION OF R.S.A.

CHAIRMAN’S CASTING VOTE The casting vote of the acting-chair-man (Mr E. Orchard) was the deciding factor in a decision of the ChristReturned Servicemen’s Association last evening to ask the Victory Park Board of Control and the Canterbury Rugby Football Union to view favourably a request that the English League football team be allowed the use of Lancaster Park fob its i match in Christchurch. i Opinion was sharply divided some members agreeing with the chairman that the 16 returned soldiers in the

British team would be slighted if they did not get the use of the best available ground, and others just as sharply maintaining that the dispute was non* of the association’s business. A suggestion that the executive should discuss the matter had been received from the suburban committee? executive. Mr Orchard, speaking to his resolUtion, said that New Zealanders had fought with, English soldier* in ab theatres of war; df the 19 players to the British team 16 were forme? servicemen, and that in itself was sufficient excuse for the association to interest itself in the position. When newspapers in leading articles attacked “unsportsmanship” and were against the Rugby Union’s attitude. It showed how concerned public opiniOß was with the dispute. Mr J. A. Gregor, supporting tn* motion, said that Rugby and Leagu* players had played together in harmony during the war, why could they not do so now? Mr J. S. McGeorge said he could recall when a Rugby team from Canterbury had been allowed to play Carlaw Park, the Auckland Leagu* ground. He supported the motion, Lieutenant E. Jackson, opposing th* resolution, said the matter waa solely one for discussion and decision by.tne sports bodies concertied. “We nave more important things to do than meddle in this squabble.” he said. Mr Colin Miln said that although «® personally thought the Rugby Unwj should have allowed the League the us* of the ground, he objected very strongly to the executive of the association being brought into it at ail. He opposed the motion. It was very wrong tor the association tp take sides in the dispute, and it would do tne association no good. , “This is wasting time.” said Mr J. A Bretherton, also opposing the motion. Any resolution the executive passed would not change the attitude of tne park authorities. In any case, if >n® Rugby Union did give way. it would lose a lot of face, and it certs inly would not be swayed by what the association did. Mr H. E. Batchelor said that if tne KiWi Rugby team touring England naa been refused the use of the Des grounds there would have been a “terrific squeal” in New Ze r lana n supported League getting the use <» Lancaster Park, saying that if the vis • tors were refused it, it would be a act of discourtesy which would never be lived down. x .. Mr E. A. McPhail said that it was difficult for the executive to vote on tn matter not knowing the basis on wntc the delegates to the Rugby Union man agement committee, representing « players, had made their decision, n opposed the motion. .. . hfi Mr N. D. Cox said that although ne supported the motion, he did not tn the dispute came within the assoc tion’s jurisdiction. . Replying. Mr Orchard said that Kiwi Rugby team in England had c tained League players and had o allowed the use of League ground*The voting was first shown o i> show of hands as four votes for motion and five against, the chains : Mr Orchard by his usual vote bro « it to five on each side, and he gave his casting vote, and declareo motion carried. , . j e . An earlier show of hands nao .- cided that the discussion sh ouio in open meeting and not in comntu