HOW FARES RUBGY?

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1442, 17 May 1912, Page 8

HOW FARES RUBGY?

THE CHIEF CONTROL. IDEA TO CUT THE PAINTER. | HEAVILY REJECTED. THE DREAD OF THE LEAGUE? Feeling that it is necessary to do something for Kugby, a. little band of delegates exerted (heir utmost powers, at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday, to bring about a secession from the parent body in Great Britain. The discussion was opened by the moving of the following resolution, sent dowT. by the Hawko's Bay Kugby Union: "That By-law 2 be repealed, and the following by-law substituted: 'It shall adopt the Saws of ■' football as from timn to lime fixed by the English Kugby Football Union, but shall not be affiliated to that body, and shall have power to modify that body's rules as to professionalism.'" New Zealand "On Its Own," "The time has arrived," said the Hawke's Bay delegate, "when New Zealand should go on its own." . The Northern Union, he went oa to remark, had obtained a strong hold in Hawke's Bay, and was running three seni<rr teams and five jn the junior grade. Some players w.ore~anxious to eoino back, but the union could not accept them. The disease of professionalism had gone as far as Poverty Bay. The Napier professionals had seen that unless they extended their influence to Poverty Bay, they could not do much in Hawko's Bay. A strong deputation had gone to Poverty Bay, and tho League had obtained promisea of support. "It seems at first blush a good deal to say that we must cut the painter," continued Mr, M'Grath, "but personally I think that it is the only thing to do in the circumstances. We have tried everything; we have tried unavailing!? to reinstate players. The position is becoming more aggravated in every way. Flayers who wish to come back have to be" told that they cannot come back under our rules. As a. result, they are working harder against the amateur game than they otherwise would." Otago Swells the Chorus. Mr. H. Harris (Otago) seconded the motion, but stated that Otago did not want to see players who had seceded from tho union reinstated. It supported the secession proposal on the ground that suggestions sent Homo had been uniformly thrown out with the exception of one or two minor matters that had not effected any improvement in tho game. A delegate: Good job too. Mr. Harris said that the Otago Union had circularised its clubs and sub-unions in regard to secession. All had approved save three clubs which had not replied. He would like to see secession carried if it were only to prevent another team being sent Home. A number of the "AllBlacks" had become professionals and but for their tour, very little would have been heard in New Zealand about the Northern Union game. To go on its own was the only chance that New Zealand had of doing anything to impr.ive tho laws of the game. He did not s-ug-

Rest that tho laws should be hacked about. Tho,Otago Union suggested that alterations should be made for a term of years and stand for that term. Auckland Fears Isolation,

Mr. Sheahan (Auckland) said that his union opposed this proposal on the ground that it would lead to the isolation of New Zealand. The Otago Union and Canterbury Union had at one time licen isolated from tho New Zealand Rugby Union but they had ultimately seen the wisdom in joining. The position of Otago and Canterbury then would be the position of New Zealand if it seceded from England. He could not see that if New Zealand were left isolated and alone it would thereby become stronger to resist tse onslaught of the Northern Union. Unity was strength. It was regrettable thai the English Union had declined to adopt suggested improvements, but it must and would accept suggestions. Tho existing Rugby alliance must bo kept intact.

Dr. M'Evedy (Auckland) supported his colleaguo in strongly resisting the motion. If it were carried, he said, it would be only a matter of time when the einaienr game would be indistinguishable from the professional. If 'his came to p\is the Rugby Union might as well join hands with the Northern Union biid run one game.

"Up Against a Brick Wall." Mr. Woods (Southland) gaid Hint New Zealand, in its relations with the English Union, was up against a brick wall, and meantime was helpless to resist professionalism. There was no intention on the part of those who supported tho motion to adopt the Northern Union game. A good deal could he done to improve tho fjaino from the public point of view. If Rugby were to be saved, New Zealand would have to cut away from the parent body. "Too Much Heard of the Public Point of View." Mr. Curtayne (Buller) complained that too much was heard of the public point of view. He had never heard a player complain of the game as it stood. If it were a matter of pleasing tho public, why not enact that a player must turn two somersaults before scoring a try. (Laughter.) No doubt there was going to be a fitrlit with Northern Union, but the Rugby Union would not strengthen its position by seceding from England. 'Mr. Mason (Canterbury) contended that the time had not arrived for seceding from the English Union, particularly as NewZealand had just been given representation on the Laws Sub-committee. "New Zealand Can Stand Alone." Mr. Dey (Otago) remarked that secession would not imply that Northern Union players should be reinstated, or the Northern Union game adopted. His own view was that plavers who had gone out should stop out. The game did not depend upon visits to this country or visits by New Zealar.dcrs to other countries. There was any amount of football in this country, but if New Zealand maintained tho strictly amateur .game they could go to any country and play. "As to the fewlittle crusts" and crumbs that the English Union have fired down here," said Mr. Dev. "well, gentlemen, you are easily nleased if these satisfy you." New Zealand, ho contended, in concluding, could give an object-lesson in football to any country in the world. The Cry for Reinstatement. Mr. Kelly said that the parent body was not the English Union, but the International Board. The cry for reinstatement was due to the fact that the Northern Union wen had got into a hole, and could not get out. International notches were in prospect, and did New Zealand want to be left out? The Northern Union game could lie made a farce and slow, just as well as the game, fathered by the Rugby Union. Mr. Spricgins (Wnngrmui) < ppnsed the motion. Northern league was going to be very strong in his district, but Im

would strongly oppose the reinstatement of players who had gone over (o the professional game. These men were simply a lot of discontented agitators, who hail go! all they could from Tiugby and wero after something else. These men were not wanted. (Hear, hear.) Conservatism a Safsauard, Mr. Crombie said that two things had been advanced. One was that the gome was not altering fast enough and the other that players should be reinstated. Personally he'was opposed to reinstatement. Players who had boon somewhat liaNilv heated were getting past (heir football davs. "The conservatism of the English Union," said Mr. Crombie, "has. been a safeguard. My opinion is that, if wn secotle ihe game will be so rapidly altered (hat in a few seasons we will not knowit.' and will not know where wo. are. There is nothing wrong with the game. The present time, is peculiarly inanprnpriO to for anv chance. The Tinperi.nl aspect, should not ,10 forgotten, and there i? no doubt that the intsrehnnge visits dre« a let far th« imprcsment n the game. Sir, Verooe. (Netac-a) opposed tie tnotioa,

contending that it would produce a state of chaos in which the Northern Union would obtain an even stronger footing than it had at present. The professional game had done amateur Kugby no great harm. It had al traded players whom Kugby could well afford to lose. Secession would strengthen professiomilism and weaken tho amateur game.

Mr. l). Malono (Taranaki) declared that secession find isolation would be highly injurious to the game. Madness to Break Away. Mr. G. I'. C. Campbell, speaking as ono who had assisted to cradle the institution of Kugby football, said that ho regretted very much Hint a motion of this kind had even been brought forward. It should be remembered that sport was rapidly developing as a factor whicu tended to develop international friendships. It would be calamitous if international games continued to multiply and this little country were left out. it would be impossible for New Zealand to continue playing under the English laws as proposed in the motion, if secession were carried. The game was not losing its attraction. Crowds which ho had lately seen ou football grounds were as enthusiastic as any he had ever seen. "I hope,'' concluded Mr. Campbell, "that the motion will be rejected. I disagree entirely with the sentiment which seems to be growing throughout the country that the English Kugby Union does not want to have anything- to do with us. It is not so, English players have every sympathy with plavers out hero and it would he madness "to break away and play a merely parochial game." The Hawke's Bay Reply. Mr. M'Grath, in replying, said tivit the Hawke's Bay Union was not o.ily concerned al;mii professionalism, but about the way in which suggestions from New Zealand were ignored in England. He dissented from tho statement that players who had gone over to the Northern Union were no loss to Kugby. In his district a whole team of young players had gone over and in addition to this hardly a Saturday went by but a Northern Union teaiu was short of a full-back and some lad was induced to play. It was these young players whom the Hawko's Boy Union desired to recover. The Painter Hold Hard. On a division the motion was defeated bv 57-votes to 15. Following are details: Against, 57 (Auckland, 5; Bulicr, 2; Bush Districts, 1; Bay of Plenty, 4; Canterbury, 5; Horowhenua, 1; Manawatu, 3; Marlborough, 2; Nelson, 3; Poverty Bay, 4; South Auckland, 5; South Canterbury, 3; Taranaki, 4; Wairarapa, 2; Wanganui, 5; Wellington, 5; West Coast, For, 15 (Hawke's Baj-, 5; Otago, 5; Southland, 5). The result of the division was received with loud applause. A'number of motions following upon the secession motion were withdrawn. Three wore from Hawke's Bay and ono from Taranaki. INTERPROVINCIAL MATCHES. Advantage was taken of the fact that delegates had come from- all parts of tho Dominion to hold a conference with the object of arranging tho representative matches for the season, at one sitting. Mr.« H. Harris (Otago) presided. The following tours were arranged:— Otago v. Canterbury, August 31 ,• v. Taranaki, September 4; v. Auckland, September 7; t. Wanganui, September 11; v. Wellington, September 14. Southland v. Canterbury, August 10; v. Wellington, August 14; v. Wanganui, August 17; v. Taranaki, August 22. Canterbury v. Wellington, September J; v. Taranaki, September 12; v. Wanganui, September 14. West Coast v. Otago, August 17; v. South Canterbury, August 22; v. Canterbury August 24! South Canterbury v; Canterbury, August

Wellington v. Auckland, August 24; v. Taranaki, August 23; v. Wanganui, August 31. The Wellington-Wanga-nui fixture is subject to approval by the Wellington Union. Taranaki v. Auckland, August 17.

In each case tho louring team is named first. . , L A Native team is to play Auckland at Auckland on August 3. DELEGATES PRESENT. The delegates present were :i—Dr. M'Evedv, and Messrs. M.' J. Sheahan (Auckland); W. 'J'. Parata and G. 11, Dixon (Bay of Plenty); A. Curtayno and H. Sproule (Buller); E. Darley (Bush Districts) ; F. 6. Wallburton, G. H. Mason, W. G. Garrard (Canterbury); W. .1. M'Grath, F. Laws (Hawke's Bay); ,T. W. Procter (Horowhonua); A. N. Gibbons r.nd J. F. Manning (Manawatu); J. H. Morrison, J.. P. O'Sullivan (Marlborough); N. Galbraith, K. C. Akcrs, and N. A. Vercoe (Nelson); H. Harris, J. Brodie, H. M. Isaacs, J. R. Burt and A.' Dey (Otago); G. Lusk, W. H. Hales, and W. Johnston (Povcrtv Bay); H. J. Peild and J. H. Laughton (South 'Auckland); H. Amos, E. Wyllie, and H. H. Praser (South Canterbury); George Woods and C. G. Wilson (Southland); M. .1. Crombio and D. J. Malone (Taranaki); E. M'Kcnzie and B. Chapman (Wairarnpa); G. Spriggens, P. K. Turnbull, and A. I.aurenson (Wangonui); P. Roberts, J. T. King, J. Lynskev. E. 0. Hales, and A. E. Wilson (Wellington); W. Perry, G. Clark, and A. J. Praser (West Coast). PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The president (Mr. G. H. Dixon) moved the adoption of the repoTt, and the statement of accounts (already published). Tho past vear, he said, had not been a partieula'rly eventful one, but the outlook was extremely satisfactory. ( Mr. Spriggcns (Wanganui) seconded tne motion to adopt tho report. THAT DEBT. Mention was made by delegate of an item on the balance-sheet of "New South Wales Bugbv Union, ,£513." The- treasurer explained that this amount was due by the New South V, ales Union in connection with the tour of the American Universities' team. After a lengthy discussion, the matter was dropped. OFFICERS.

The following onicers were electeo for the ensuing veiirs-l'atron, his Excellency the Governor; president. Mr. G. 11. Bixon; Mr. E. Wvlie was elected treasurer in succession to Mr. H. W. Kelly, who was accorded a special vote of .nanus; vice-presidents, Messrs. V. 'J. le')"ne er (Toranaki). 0. F. C. Campbell (Wellington), H. Harris (Otago), Tims. (.Inrksoii (South Auckland), Hon. J. tolvin (bu - ler), A. K. Dcvore (Auckland), Ui. Ritchie Campbell (Southland), F. Logan (Hawko's Bay), D. K. Logan Wairarapa), A. N. Gibbous (Manawatu), G. 11. Mason (Canterbury), Br. J. F. Bennett (Marlborough), W. B. Miller (iWy Bay , ,T. G. Hankins (Horowhenua), A. Snntciiffo (South Canterbury), G. Spnggen, (Wauganui), H. W. Shies (Nelson), M. Vance (Bush districts) E. £«»»*<*£ of Plenty). C. .1. H. Dobsoii (West Coast); Management Committee, Messrs. A. Lourensoi,;.!. H. A. I.aughton, M. J. Cronjbra, F. G. Wallimrton, R. M. Isaacs, N., U.braith, and Br. M'Eycdy; Appeal Coucil (to be located in Auckland «»*}«»• J. Arneil. G. Dixon, and Ji. auditor, Mr. 0, «, hem.«r; representative on English. Lnion, M. U Wray Palliser.

THESCHOOLS. Mr Frascr (South Canterbury) moved that'the grant to schools should bis the siim-c as in the previous year U 00,. Sir Woods (Southland) moved (tint (he L-rant bo increased to .KOO. He ueclarcd that not one-third of the southern schools were playing Hiißby. l;nion ootball. The neglect of school luotball m New Zealand was doing more harm, he Aid, than the much-discussed Nortnern Isaacs said that the financial side'should he looked to, and he considered that the grant of JClGfl was sufh"jlr! M'Grath (Jlawkc's Bay) contended that it would be better to undertake the coaching of schoolboys than to increase the money grant. This had keen tried m his district and with success. Of course the Northern Union has loreed us to do this," confessed the Jiawkes Bay dele--B'jlr Mason (South Canterbury) protested'that the governing body was being asked to do work (hat should be done by tho unions themselves. Mr l.ynskcv (Wellington) told the Southland delegates that they could da move V reaching nnd encouraging (he havs than bv grants. '")ou ran ! do anything with JCW." lie declared. Southland delegates-: "ie?. lr « can! Mr. Lynikey: You will do more by coaching.

Southland delegates'. Wo do; we have good football down there. Mr. Lyuskcy: That's good. I'd liko to take a tram down there.

JCventunlly Mr. Woods accepted a suggestion by Mr. Manning (Mauawalu} that the amount of 'the grant should bo £150, In this form the motion was passed. THE SHADOW. Mr. W. Johnston (Poverty Bay) suggested that the New Zealand Union should apply to the English Jiugby Union tor power to deal with applications for reinstatements on their merits. Mr. Wjiio (South Canterbury) moved:— "That the Management Committee be instructed lo write to the English Rugby Union asking for permission to reinstate, any or all players who have up to the present joined the Northern League, or played the Northern League game; tho permission not to apply to future breaches." At the suggestion of Mr. M'Griith, Mr. Wylie added to his motion that no should taken' effect until twelve months after the date of the last breach. Mr. M. .T. Crombie moved as an amendment:—"That a communication bo sent to tho English Union anting whether there is any .power to reinstate expelled players, and if not, whether the English Union will delegate to tho Now Zealand Union any such power." The amendment was rejected, and the motion was carried. RULES IN MAORI. Mr. T. Parata. said that it was highly important that. tho rules, particularly those relating (o professionalism, should be printed in Maori. The suggestion was referred as a recommendation to the Management Committee. ROUGH PLAY. It was decided to obtain a ruling from Hie English Union as to the validity of a by-law governing the acceptance of reports 'about rough play, from persons other than referees. COUNTRY TOURING. Mr. Manning (Manawatn) moved that the tours of North .and South Island country representatives which wero con- ' ducted last .year should be repeated this year.- ■ • Some of tho country representatives raised objections, contending that tho country tours had done littlo good and that it would be more to the purpose if bigger unions visited the territory of their smaller confreres. To this it was replied that if the bigger unions had to play every "tin-pot'.' union in the country they would have to devote the whole year to football. Mr. Manning's motion was agreed to. NORTH AND SOUTH, Mr. E. M. Isaacs moved that the match North Island v. South Island be played on July 13. This was agreed to. Mr. Malone moved that tho game should be played this year in Taranaki. Mr. Spriggen's (Wangamii) strongly supported the proposal. Mr. Mason moved that it be a recommendation to tho Management Committee to play the inter-island game in Wangnnui or Hawke's Bay. It would be a capita! thing, lie contended, if they could give tho game a lift in some of the centres which were threatened by tho Northern .Union. Tho benefit to be gained might warrant tho financial sacrifice entailed, Mr. Malono withdrew his motion. Mr. Spriggens: It would give a terrible blow to the Northern League game if the North y. South game were played in Wangamii,

Mr, Meson's, motion conveying an open recommendation toi the .Management Committee was approved. TO CALIFORNIA. Mr. Sheahan (Auckland) moved:— "That, in the event of a team being sent from Australia to tour California, steps be taken to have the team made an Australasian one. Failing this, that steps be taken to send a New Zealand team to California." Mr. Crombio said that an Australian tour of California'liad'practically bean arranged. He did not think it would bo wise on the part of New Zealand to seek to join in.

Mr. Sheahan withdrew the reference in his motion, .to.au Australasian team. As amended, • the motion was carried.