RUGBY FOOTBALL Otago Union Against Secret Selection of Manager

Grey River Argus, 20 November 1948, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL Otago Union Against Secret Selection of Manager

P.A. WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. When the N.Z. Rugby Union Council appointed All Black managers, the Otago delegate, Mr. W. R. S. Sotting, objected to a motion by the chairman, Mr. A. St. C. Belcher that the business of selecting the manager, the assistant-manager, the captain and the vice-captain for the 1949 All Black team should be taken m committee. Mr. Botting claimed that it was a mattei’ of public interest, and that it should be discussed out of committee. “I think the discussion should be taken in committee,” said Mr. Belcher. “Opinions may be expressed which we do not wish to have broadcast.” „ , “I am sorry to hear that, replied Mr. Botting. “Could the policy of the Council then be given ? Are those nominated for manager also eligible for assistant-manager ? I think that is very relevant.” . , Mr. Belcher: “I don’t think it can be discussed in open meeting.” < Mr. Botting: “I feel that this is a breach of faith. I feel the position very keenly. Otago was approached to make a nomination for manager, although we are interested only in the position of assistant-manager. We did not want to compromise our nomination for assistant-manager, and we nominated for the position of assistant-manager only.” The motion was carried, with Mr. Botting alone dissenting.