SUSPENSION OF FOOTBALLER

Chronicle (Levin), 7 August 1947, Page 2

SUSPENSION OF FOOTBALLER

PENALTY SAID TO BE TOO UNJUST The suspension of N. Gray until the end of the 1948 season was discussed at a meeting of the committee of the Otaki-Rahui Football Club last night. It was considered that the penalty imposed by the Horowhenua Rugby Union was unjust, and that if the player, who was only 19 years of age, had been stood down for three weeks or a month the circumstances would have been met.

It was pointed out that considerable controversy was taking place over what was considered a very harsh judgment, and the committee decided to ask the union to reconsider its decision. It was stated that Gray was willing to appear before the union and state his case, which, it was maintained, had been exaggerated. It was stated that the lad • in question _ was regarded as a clean player and one who respected a referee's rulings. He had never before been guilty of being accused of the slightest offence. It was felt that the union, when further facts were placed before it, would reconsider the matter. It was decided that a t.eam proeeed to Petone 'on Saturday next,leaving by bus at 8 a.m., reaching Petone in time to play an early match, ahd then proceed to Wellington to witness a representative fixture, after which the team could return home or go to Petone to attend a dance or some similar function. The visitors would be entertained at Wellington. The team has not yet been fmalised, but any player desiring to go should make application. There will be accommodation in the bus for a few supporters. Mr. E. J. Cook was appointed to act as ma'nager of the team. It was reported that arrangements were well in hand for the Horowhenua-Wairoa match at Otaki on August 16, the curtainraiser to be a third-grade match, North v. South. It was reported that the ground had been well marked and arrangements made for the social function in the evening. The Otaki Band will play selections at the match.