A FOOTBALL MATTER

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1926, Page 3

A FOOTBALL MATTER

(To the Editor.) Sir.—The action of the Westland Sub-Union in ordering a replay of the Junior match (won by Excelsiors) would be pure farce were it not for its apparent injustice. Let me state the facts: A junior player, King, was chosen by the SubUnion to play one match for the Hokitika team, which arose phoenix-wise from the ashes of the sell-slaughtered Kiwis and the Sub-Union mufflcrod Excelsiors. This conglomerate ol senior players was named the Hokitika

team and not the Hokitika Club. The distinction is important in regard to the present grievance. The Hokitika team played two matches, in one of which King took part, and then formed itself officially into the Hokitika Club. King did not join this Club, was not elected a member of this Club, did not attend any meeting of this Club, nor pay any entrance fee. He was, and still is, a member of the .Excelsior (Tub, since he has not resigned. been transferred or expelled from his Club. He is an Excelsior Junior. But b> ! the Sub-Union, the Napoleonic Trinity, speaks and says; No! he is a member of the Hokitika Club.” “How so 8” queries the Excelsior Juniors. The Mussolini Trio answers as follows: “We selected

him to play lor the Hokitika Club.” “But,” say tbc Juniors, “tlie Hokitika Club was not formed at tbo time!” “Don’t interrupt!” quoth the Three Solomons. “We chose him to piny one game for the Hokitika Team which became the Hokitika Club. He is now a member of the Hokitika Club whether he wills or nils.” “We don’t understand!” say the bewildered Juniors. Then the thunder crashed on Olympus, and the three Gods spoke in unison: “Let it fie known from A rah ora to The Waiho that our word is law, and let all rebellious Juniors tremble thereat. '1 he laws of Rugby are not for us; we are the law ! Me know that one senior game never before invalidated a junior; hut henceforth it will, when we so decree. We know that King played that senior game at our command, lint those whom the Gods love they first make seniors, and then make mad. We know that he is still a Junior, hut we have conscripted him a senior. Finally, if he wishes to become a Junior (which bo legally is) lie must obtain a transfer from a. Club bo never joined; and the Junior Club, which routed the Kiwis must replay the match (which they legally won) because they played King, (a Junior) who was made a Senior by our command, and because, —— well, because, we say so !” 1 wonder, Mr Editor, if the Rugby League Code has more ardent organisers than the members of our Westland Sub-Union. I am etc., W. HENDERSON. Hokitika. May 28tli.