ENCOURAGING RUGBY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1542, 11 September 1912, Page 4

ENCOURAGING RUGBY.

„ S M , "i l 'j llo " ld ' t> ? atl - T oWiged'if you could find space to insert the followinc m your paper-.— • I was one of the fourth-class representatives chosen to go to Palnierston on Friday, the 80th ultimo, by tho 4.15 p.m tram. Another of tho representatives and I arrived at the station just as the hell sounded, and hoarded the train without tickets, knowing that a earriago had been reserved for us. Imagine our surprise when we-found this carrioßO emptv, and two railway officials taking the "reserved" oft' the •windows. We asked then if thev had had any notification 1 of the. cancellation of the trip; they had not; tint as I ho team had not put in an appearance, thev could not keep it reserved. Upon 'consultation, with them we decided to go mi to ■TnlmsonviUe, where there was another of the representatives. Upon arrival at this plnee,. the Johnsonville plover boarded tho train, and we decided to go on to Palmerston, thinking that the other tnetnbeN of the team had missed the train. (The notice appearing in the "Post" gave the time of departure .1.51 in one place, and immediately beneath it gave the correct time 4.15.) We arrived at Palmerston North, and went to one of the hotels for the night, J'liero Are procured a paper, and saw that our game had l>een postponed. This w«» absolutely -lie first notification we had received. It seems that one of the Knebv Tjinon officials had waited at the ticket office to notify players that the trip had been cancelled. Had he stood at the train we, who entered the station at the main' entrance, would have been saved much trouble and expense. When «;« r»twnod to town r nut in n letter to the Rugby Union, through our

club, claiming return second-class faro, and hotel expenses for Friday night'., viz., 10s. 2d. This letter came before them at their meeting on Wednesday, Iho 4th instant. This generous body, after mature consideration, decided to add insult to injury by refunding our return fares to and from Joluisoiivillp only. This, sir,' is the encouragement the Wellington Rugby Union give to its fourth-class players. Meanwhilo I am waiting for my elevenpence. Thanking you in anticipation.— I am, etc., AIITRUJI P. STAGE.