REFEREES FOR TESTS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28258, 22 April 1957, Page 16

REFEREES FOR TESTS

Springboks' Tour Of N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association) WHANGAREI, April 21. Because the appointment of referees to the Springook matches in New Zealand last year was a New Zealand Rugby Union domestic aft air, discussion on this topic was taken in committee during the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Referees’ Association at Whangarei yesterday. After the association’s representative on the New Zealand Appointment Board (Mr A. C. Swan) had given a report, a question came from Mr N. Neilson (Wanganui). He wanted to know why the names in the three-man panel of referees submitted to the South Africans for the first test were changed for the second test. The meeting went into committee to hear Mr Swan’s reply and subsequent discussion. An Auckland remit suggesting that referees who have ordered a player from the field should not be required to appear before Rugby unions to undergo cross-examination of their actions, was not accepted by the meeting. A North Auckland amendment requesting that, in view of indignities suffered by some referees and the general reluctance of all referees to appear before Rugby unions after the ordering-off of a player, the New Zealand Rugby Union takes steps to investigate the establishment of independent judicial committees in all unions throughout New Zealand, was carried. Tour of Japan The New Zealand Rugby Union was “on the wrong side of the fence” in its refusal to send a referee with the team which will tour Japan next year, said Mr L. Mclntyre (Counties). The association’s representative on the union (Mr C. R. McCallum) had mentioned the union’s decision in his report. Mr B. Parkinson (Wellington) supported Mr Mclntyre. He said that New Zealand should give Japan all assistance possible to increase the status of its referees. Mr C. G. Wallace (Waikato) was elected president, and Mr W. S. Blag(Otago) was the only nominee as South Island vice-president. There were three nominations for the North Island vice-presidency— Messrs N. Amadio (Manawatu), W. L. Molan (Wanganui), and R. L. Parker (Bush). Mr Parker was elected by ballot. Candidates for seven positions on the executive were: Messrs B. Parkinson (Wellington), F. G. W. Parkinson (Manawatu), Messrs A. C. Swan. H. B. Simmons, C. H. Williams, E. J. B. Matthews, S. H. Palmer, K. Perry, and I. Ramsay (Wellington). Messrs F. Parkinson and Ramsay were unsuccessful. Mr C. R. McCallum (Canterbury) was re-elected the association’s representative on the New Zealand Rugby Union. INTERPRETATION OF RULES South Africans “Satisfied” (New Zealand Press Association) WHANGAREI, April 21. “It can be taken that the South Africans were satisfied with New Zealand interpretations of the Rugby rules,” said the chairman (Mr A. S. Swan) in his opening address to the jubilee conference of the New Zealand Referees’ Association at Whangarei. Apart from about four instances, it was found that there was little difference between New Zealand and South African interpretation when a referees’ panel and the New Zealand Rugby Union discussed the rules with the Springbok managers. After the conference, it was decided that if the Springboks found it necessary to discuss interpretations further, another meeting would be called. “As no request came from the South Africans it can be taken they were satisfied,” said Mr Swan. He advised that the N.Z.R.U. will hold a special meeting in September to discuss suggested amendments to the laws of the game. Technical Beats Southbridge Southbridge thoroughly extended Technical in a match at Rugby Park, losing only by 6 points to 5. One of the outstanding players was the Technical full-back, T. Jackson, who scored a field goal and joined effectively in a number of back movements. The match was one of contrasts. In the first spell Technical held the upper hand convincingly, but after half-time Southbridge won the initiative and tested the Technical defence repeatedly. Technical led by three points at the interval, from Jackson’s field goal, but B. Allen scored a good opportunist try for Southbridge, G. Marshall converting. Late in the game L. Grenfell scored for Technical from a scrum Southbridge made some determined but unavailing attacks in the last few minutes. The referee was Mr B. Andrews. Catholic Tourney At Nelson (New Zealana Press Association) NELSON, April 21. First day results in the South Island Catholic Rugby tournament were:— ~ Christchurch Marist 8, Ashburton Celtic 0: Hokitika St. Mary’s 8, Gore St. Mary's 5; Timaru Celtic 8. Nelson Celtic 3: Dunedin 3. Greymouth Marist 0; Blenheim Marist 10. Christchurch Marist 5; Gore St. Mary’s 5, Ashburton Celtic 5; Nelson Celtic 5. Greymouth Marist 0; Timaru Celtic 3, Dunedin 0. LOWER GRADES Fourth Grade.— Southbridge Juniors 11, Technical Old Boys 3. Junior Grade— Mcrivale 19, Alhambra 0. Under 7st.—Merivale 6, Alhambra 5 Under sst. —Alhambra 9, Merivale