SELECTORS STRONGLY PROTEST

Evening Star, Issue 22456, 29 September 1936, Page 9

SELECTORS STRONGLY PROTEST

O , ALLEGE " IRRESPONSIBLE REMARKS" LETTER “ RECEIVED " BY UNION The following letter, signed by Messrs J. H. Palmer, L. Ward, and W. G. Williams (North Otago Rugby selectors), was received at the weekly meeting ox the North Otago Rugby Union last night:—“We wish to express our strongest disapproval of the action of your union in attempting to place on the selectors’ shoulders the responsibility for any bungling which may have .occurred in regard to tho granting or leave to Hector Mason, the Maori footballer. As, no doubt, you are well aware, the selectors have no jurisdiction over players othgf than their selection. Any disciplinary action _in regard to players rests entirely with the union. In this particular instance the only intimation received by the selectors of Mason’s desire to play in the North was when that player approached Mr Palmer on Tuesday evening, September 1. The team to play Ashburton was selected on Monday, August 31, and at practices on the following evening Mason approached Mr Palmer to procure for him the necessary permission to travel to Christchurch on September 5. This Mr Palmer promised to do, and on Wednesday discussed the matter with Mr Williams, and they agreed that he (Mr Palmer) should interview the president of the union. The president definitely stated that the union had first call on Mason’s services, and that he must play for North Otago. The selectors then discussed the matter, and realised it was no concern of theirs, and that it rested purely between Mason and the union. A number ot Mason’s statements as reported in the Press are contrary to fact, and it is surprising that the union is apparently prepared to accept these bald statements and practically condemn the selectors without making any attempt to verify same or give the selectors an opportunity of defending themselves. In conclusion, we desire to record our strongest protest against the irresponsible remarks of members of your union, suggesting that we have in any way attempted to override the union. We have at all times performed our duty with the object of assisting the union and football in North Otago.” Members declined to make any comment, and tho letter was received.