A LETTER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1533, 31 August 1912, Page 12

A LETTER.

ON THE RUGBY CIRCULAR. A correspondent writes as follows:—Sir, —The New Zealand Rugby Union, a body •formed to govern the game of ltugby in the Dominion, evidently finds that things aro slack in the Rugby business, and consequently they have nothing to do to fill in their time, and in order to break the monotony of things, they have in their wisdom decided to issue a circular to every union in the Dominion, who in turn are instructed to circularise every school in their district, pointing out t'u tho scholars- tho danger of playing tho Leaguo game. Now, I think that the majority of your readers will agree with me when I say that when a body like the New Zealand Rugby Union have the audacity to attempt to toll the lads attending school what gamo they, should play,"" well, to say tho least of it, its the limit. Now, for the benefit of the public, who perhaps do not know the difference in the constitution of the two games. I will endeavour to explain, but before doing so I would just like to point out the reason why the Rugby people are taking such, a keen Interest in the League game. AYe hoar various reasons, but 'o get straight to tho controlling body. . They give it out that they object to the Leaguo game because it is professional. Now, I, for one, do not believe that to be the reason. The fact of the matter is that they can see that the League i.- here to stay, and that it is fast ousting the effete Rugger code. V: is beginning to 1« recognised that players are waking up, and arc demanding certain treatment, and uot being always able to get it at the hands of the Rugby people, they are turning to the League game, in which the first consideration is to the player. We have been termed professionals by the Rugby people. Well, in answer to that we say that if receiving wages by a player while he is away from his work constitutes a professional, we would have to admit the impeachment, but we do not admit -anything of the sort. We hold tlint a player who is losing time i.f lie is fortunate enough to be selected mi a travelling representative team, should lie paid. As an illustration, I would say. if, for instance, you wanted the best team in the Dominion to tour England for six months—only travelling expenses allowed —would you get the best? No! The only players who would be able to go would be' the mien in good po.-ilions— the working man qould not afford ; t. But on tho other hand, pay each man 10s. per day, and then yon will get the best team. In a nutshell, the League's constitution is based on rules which gives the player everv encouragement. The plaver is the first consideration, and the public next. The Rugby Union's constitution is bn.-ed on rules which give the officials first consideration, public next, nnd the player absolutely nothing. In conclusion. I,wonlrl like to say that if the Rugby Union do as they ought, and put all (heir energies into their games, encourage the players, and spend their money wisely, they will have enough to do without, writing circulars (o schoolboys. Tho boys will please themselves, and, if they are wise, will play a game which is not dangerous, and which is more open and interesting, both to the play.T and spectators, and it will lie found (hat Mie came tliev decide to lake on will be the l>neuo.—l am, etc., "THREE 808 A DAY."