THE SHIELD MATCH.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1821, 6 August 1913, Page 9

THE SHIELD MATCH.

Sir, —Having read an account of the Wellington-Canterbury Association football match in to-day's Dominion, I am much surprised to ses that referring to tho unfortunate incident, which took plnco towards the close of tho game, you state that the whistle which sounded was not tho referee's. In this you will eoo that you differ from the version of t'lie other local papers, and I am positive that you tiro mistaken, and I was in ft position at the timo to see every detail of the occurrence. My position, which was to tho rear, and about eight yards to the right of tho Canterbury goal, was, I think, better than that occupied by tho press representatives, if they were in tho grandstand. I wiil now set down tho details of the occurrence as I saw them. . About seven minutes before the game closed tho linesman, Mr. Windley, signalled time to the referee, who consulted his own watch, and evidently not agreeing with the linesman, allowed the game to proceed. Then, I think, a corner-kick was gained by Wellington, and while waiting for the kick to be taken, the referee made some signals to the other line umpire, I suppose referring to the time. The game proceeded for another couple, of minutes, when the ball was kicked behind the Canterbury line. The referee then went across to tho linesman (Mr. Windley), and while they consulted the Canterbury full-back kicked off, without waiting for tho whistle. Almost at the same time the referee left the line, and after running a' yard or two, I distinctly saw him put his whistle in his mouth and blow it. All the players around, including the Canterbury back, who was only a few yards away, stopped and looked towards him. Ho said something to the men around him, and then one of the Ked and Black men shouted to his wing man, who had stopped with the ball, to go on. This he' did—you know the result. There is no doubt that the referee made a serious mistake, and the spectators did . not display their feelings without good cause, though no doubt they went too far.—l am, etc., IV J. O'DEISCOLL. August 4. [In answer to a question after . the match, the referee told a Dominion reporter that ho did not blow his whistle to discontinue play, but merely whistled for the goal-kick to bo taken. The referee admitted that ho did .move across to tho side-line to consult with the linesman as to tho amount of timo to go. He also said that he stood with his back towards the field of play, and when he turned round motioned tho players to proceed with the game.] THE RUGBY SELECTORS Sir,—Having been, an old representative, I should like to pass a'little criticism on the selection of this New Zealand team. I am wondering how on earth Wellington only , got two paltry playtirs in this supposed Now Zealand representative team. Auckland seams to have a monopoly in these New Zealand teams when any touring is to be done. ' When is Wellington and numerous otheir good football towns going to get a "square deal"? I don't laiow. why Mitchmson, undoubtedly the best three-quartor in Now Zealand at the present time, was not' picked. It is evident that tho forwards are not getting treated fairly eithor, seeing the great games they played at Auckland and Tarannkd. If the Wellington Ilugby Union, want to keep their best players in the union ranks, they'd better see that they get a "square deal." I am positive a team could be picked from Wellington to bfat this alleged New Zealand team. Thanking you for your valuable 6pace — I oin, etc.; "SQUARE DEAL."