THE TRIALS OF AN HON, SECRETARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3710, 11 September 1906, Page 3

THE TRIALS OF AN HON, SECRETARY.

IN REPLY TO PERCY T. ROBINSON. [TO THIi EDTTOII ] Sir,—‘What a beautiful position to hold—that of an honorary secretary ? Do what you like to, please everybody concerned, you fail miserably ! And to have abuse piled on top of discontent is perhaps only what one might expect (in return for the time, energy and coin spent in trying to uplift football in these parts) from that class of enthusiast who lends a patient ear to the mischief-maker and straightway expresses himself in favour of rumour without stopping even to think a little. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion, hence it is not out-o£-the way to be compelled to answer inferences at times. So much has been said of football conduct in the Hkkald that the continual quibbling must be heartily sickening to readers, as it would be to the authorities were they not possessed of a keen sense of determination and hope. However, as secretary—a secretary is called upon to play .all parts—l reply to your correspondent of Saturday last, “ Percy T. Robinson.” This gentleman suggests that if the recent decision of the Sub-Union on the Albion protest is a sample of the Sub-Union’s desire for clean football, it is time we went on our own as before. Surely, Mr Robinson, you judge the Sub-Union too harshly, dont you ? And you would not have us go back to the time when a pugilistic encounter between two players (which finally ended in the referee receiving a punch from a hot-headed footballer) was allowed to pass by practically unnoticed ? Your correspondent may have been guided by others in the sentiments • expressed in his letter, but as his name is attached, he may gladly stand the brunt of any defence 1 may offer in what, I think, my Sub-Union’s interest and the welfare of the game combined. As to Mr Robinson’s query re secretary keeping a registration book of all players and dates of registration, I may state that the method I adopted was that of filing all registration papers. Mainly, this course was followed, so as to alleviate the secretary’s duties—-they have been very heavy this season what with numerous disputes—and also to act as a safeguard that papers could be produced. Unfortunately no date happened to be attached to the registration paper in dispute, but it also bore the name of another player who had been playing some time. I placed the paper before the Sub-Union as it stood, explaining it was for them to consider. As a matter of fact, the protest was practically tested on the residential basis. In all, it took three meetings to decide the affair, and the chairman cannot be entirely blamed for giving his casting vote in favour of the defending side, seeing that he may have thought the matter should be decided on residential grounds, and evidence was brought both for and against. We may all think Awahou were wrong, but unless one is absolutely sure, could he convict ? Evidently this is how the chairman viewed the matter. I should say that at all meetings to decide the point, there has always been a personal majority in favour of upholding the protest, but the Club vote made matters even, and thus the chairman found himself in an awkward position. Personally, I think the Club vote system is wrong, and I will endeavour to have the system remedied next season. As to the query, “ Is this another AwahouHyland alleged point that is being shown ?” it is hard to conceive Mr Robinson’s meaning. Certainly there is no direct charge, or does he connect the Sub-Union with any misdoings over this much-talked of match ? Does your correspondeht know the seriousness of his statement, or is he rushing madly into print ? If Mr Robinson knows anything of this much-talked final of last year and will only come before the SubUnion and unfold the truth, I have no doubt its members will be found willing to spend a few more hours in its efforts to have the clean football your correspondent speaks of, and not the pugilistic encounter of two seasons back. Certainly the Sub-Union shall lend Mr Robinson every support, but bring facts, and dont waste the time of members with unsupported hearsay. Surely Mr Robinson is having a huge joke re the expending of tanners on jollifications, as Ire must know that the balance-sheet presented at the commencement of each year is supervised by delegates from all

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fif- , :»t K'.ih «jagi*T'<pr» - - clubs. I trust that many transgressors of recent matches will be found of Mr Robinson’s admitted turn of mind in future putting in tueir tanners. Personally, I don’t chink it in the best interests of the game to answer ridiculous questions, and unless the peace-breaker can bring some solid arguments to bear, I must treat them with contempt. If you have complaints to make, bring them before the .SubUnion, and if not satisfied with their decision, appeal to the higher body ? Thanking you for space, I am, etc., E. G. Sutherland.