LOSING THEIR HEADS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1927, Page 1

LOSING THEIR HEADS

(Auckland “.Star”) Tho greatest weakness in New Zealand football may bo the Jack of heavier last backs; it may be in the lront row. M'e do not profess to know. It may be suggested, however, that no weakness in attack or defence is quite so serious as the desperate overseriousness with which the game is played on the field and off. Hawke's Bay is threatening to appeal to the Supreme Court 'against Lhe decision of Lbc New Zealand Rugby Onion that awards the Ranfurlv Shield to Wnirarapa. Can the saving grace of humour not be blown into this ridiculous murk? The idea of bringing in tho majesty of the law to settle the destiny of a trophy that is supposed to encourage sportsmanship should be laughed out of court. II the Supieme Court decides against Hawke’s Bay, will tho ease go to the Appeal Court, and finally to the Privy Council? Possibly there are patriots in and about Napier who talk darkly of the League of Nations. Y\ lint an example for the younger generation ! Already there are signs that the schools are taking football too seriously. There is perhaps more truth than he realised in the remark of an Auckland headmaster, that what a bo> went to school for was to ’earn to kick with the left loot. And now hoys see the prize set so high above the game that a legal wrangle is threatened! This threat, however, does not stand hy itself. It is a climax to a series of events and incidents that show how

sadly a section of New Zealand football is in need of a more sporting spirit—the challenge by Hawke’s Bay to AVairarapa directly alter it had lost the shield to that side; the ordering off of two players in the match; the insulting remarks hurled at the referee afterwards; and the relusal of the two unions to support him. Some persons seem to need reminding that football is only a game. Il it is going to breed envy, hatred and malice, what good is there in it? The trouble is that it is our national game, and anv decline in its tone is a reflection on the national reputation. It is to be hoped that wiser councils will prevail in Hawke’s Bay. and that the authorities will realise that the prestige of football has suflered quite suflicicntly in the last tew weeks without the game being made ridiculous by an appeal to the Courts.