THE RUGBY OF 1910.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1110, 25 April 1911, Page 8

THE RUGBY OF 1910.

DOMINION UNION. LAST YEAR'S AFFAIRS REVIEWED. LAWS OF THE GAME. 'Die report to be presented at the annual mooting was confirmed. . According to the report the past season is regarded as a satisfactory one from New Zealand's point of view.

_ Since last annual meeting the English Union, as an outcome' of representation of the intercolonial coiilerence, granted permission to the Australasian unions to make modifications in the lavrs of the game, for local purposes, as follow: —(a) I'laying two or four spells; (b) making a fair catch by calling out "mark"; (,c) requiring the hall to be thrown out 50 as to alight at least five yards from the touch line.

All unions were advised of these alterations, which were ordered to tako effect forthwith. Some, difference of opinion arose as between the New South Wales Union and the committee as to the penalty for breach of the provision for the throw-out, and the matter was referred to tho English Union, upon the initiative of the New South Wales Union. The English Union recommended that the penalty should be a scrummage ten yards out from touch Hue. This has been adopted by the Management Committee, affiliated unions being notified accordingly. Visits With Australia. Last season, at the special request of tho New South Wales Union, a New Zealand team was sent to Australia to assist the Rugby game there. The tour was originally arranged for five matches, but at the. request of the New South Wales Union it was extended for a week, two additional games being played. The results of tho matches played were:— • OpponN.Z. ents. June 11, v. N.S. Wales ... 21 8 June 15, v. N.S. Wales ... 17 11 Juno 18, v. Queensland ... 19 ' 15 Juno 22, v. Queensland ... . 21 3 Juiio 25, v. Australia ' 6 0 Juno 27, v. Australia 0 11 July ')., v. Australia 28 13 Totals 112. 61 Under the agreement a visit is duo from an Australian team this year. American Universities Tour. A team representing tho American Universities toured New South Wales and Now Zealand. They played eight matches in New South Wales and six matches were played in New Zealand. The visitors were very appreciative of any attention shown them, more particularly as regards tho game which they were keenly desirous of mastering. From information received there is' no doubt that as a result of the tour a great impetus has been given the game in tho United States of America. Maori Team's Tour. During the season a Maori team toured Australia and New Zealand. The promotion and management were entirely in. the hands of a strong Maori committee, the union simply arranging the programme of matches in Australia. Subsequently, permission was sought by them for a visit to Great Britain; but tho English Union could not see its way to extend an invitation. Inter-Island Match. The inter-island match was played, at G'hristchurch 011 September 24. • This match was won by the South Island team by 14 points to 10. There'havo now been ton of these matches, the North Island representatives having won five, and tljo South Island four, while one was drawn. Country Flayers. During tho year, Mr. H. M'lntyre brought forward a suggestion for giving better opportunity to country players for selection in New Zealand and inter-island teams. The matter was re-, ferred to a sub-committee for a report, which will be submitted to tho annual meeting. Financa—£ll.3l2 Accumulated. The profit and loss account shows r a loss of £56 Bs. Id. on the year's working. This was mainly due to the loss oil tho inter-island match. The accumulated fund now stands .it £11,312 ss. Id. Of this, the following amounts are on loan to affiliated unions: —Auckland, £550; Hawko's Bay, £1045; Otago, £500; Southland, £1200; Taranaki, £275; Wanganui, £525; Wellington, £2600; total, £6695. The accounts of the American Universities' team's tour have not yet been adjusted with the New South Wales Union. The union is waiting amended statements from that union. There will, in any case, be a heavy loss on this account, while the New Zealand team's tour will show a small profit. Thanks. . The thanks of tho union are due to Mr. C. Wray Palliscr for his services as the union representative in London, to the selectors for their careful selection of New Zealand and inter-island teams, to tho members of the Appointment Board, and to members of tho New Zealand Referees' Association for services rendered. A special vote of thanks is duo to Mr. G. H. Dixon for his valued work as chairman of the Management Con> mittee. '