FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2462, 3 August 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The attitude of the Horowlienua Rugby Union Committee in connection with an attempt to centralise rep. matches in Levin is not in the best interests of the game or clubs under the union’s jurisdiction. It is also admitted that Levin is the geographical centre of the district and

t the Levin members have dis-

played enerprise and enthusiasm in fostering the game, but to centralise what may be termed classic games there, is manifestly unfair to other centres. The true sportsmnnlike spirit which should have actuated the executive in this connection, unfortunately, has not been displayed. Assuming that the distribution of rep. matches would result in a small financial loss, this would he counterbalanced by a keener local interest and would foster and encourage club membership and interest in the game to the ultimate benefit of the

union. The attitude of the union officials in the centralisation of rep. matches is apt to dishearten clubs and the general public outside the centre and is not a wise policy. "We hope that wiser counsels will prevail

in future and that there will not be a split in the distinct as at present constituted.

Now, coming to the charges of alleged betting against one of the officials. If the game is to be kept clean betting must be discountenanced by the union by every menns

in its power. That bets are made on almost every match played, not only in this district but throughout the Dominion, is an accepted and regrettable fact, but officials and players, in the interest of clean football should be above suspicion in this connection. The delegate who brought a charge against a fellow member of the Management Committee, was probably actuated by the highest motive, but he was somewhate precipitate in his action. Would it not have been better for him to have approached his fellow committeeman and told him of the charge alleged against him? We think so. As it was, a bomb shell was exploded in the meeting which caused a sensation and demanded absolute proof backed by strong corroborative evidence. The charge was not proven by the committee. The correct procedure by the delegate, in the circumstances, would have born to have expressed regret to his fellow-member, no matter what his personal may have been. The charge had been made in good faith and duly considered by the committee which gave its decision arid that decision was final ami nothing remained hut for the delegate making the charge to accent and how to the decision, his action having been recorded publicly and on the records.

PROPOSED HOROWHENUAMANA WATU AMA LG AMA TION. A meeting of delegates from the football clubs in the Horowlienua Rugby Union’s district was held in Levin on Tuesday for the purpose of discussing the proposed amalgamation of the Manawatu and Horowhenuo Unions. Mr J. W. Procter, vice-president of the Union, presided in the absence of. the president (Mr E. Nash), and the clubs represented were: Tokomaru,’ Shannon, Foxton, Wanderers, Weraroa, Rovers, District High School (Levin), Training Farm, Kuku, Otaki, Hui Mai, Otaki Old Boys and Paraparaumu.

The secretary (Mr L. S. Carmichael) read the proposals which had been circulated among the clubs for consideration, as follows: (1) The combined Union to be "called the Manawatu-Horowhenua Union. (2) Allocation of rep. games: Two of the combined games in the north to one in the south. (3) A similar insurance scheme. (4) Annual general meetings : To be held in Palmerston and Levin alternately each year. (5) Finance: All finance to be pooled, Manawatu having over £6OO, Horowhenua about £2O, each division to work on an imprest account for the season. (6) Club fixtures: Each division to control its own club fixtures as at the present, the winning teams of each grade in each division to play off alternately in the north and south. (7) An equal representation on the combined Union executive committee. Speaking to the proposals, Mr Carmichael statetd that the benefits were that Manawatu had £6OO in cash, and was arranging a tour of the South Island next year if the amalgamation was brought about. The scheme would allow of our players getting into big football and coming under the eyes of the New Zealand selectors, together with a larger number of rep. matches as a result of the return matches from the South Island tour. Rules would be compiled to safeguard the Horowhenun Union’s interests.

A general discussion took place following which Mr F. . Marryatt (Boys’ Training Farm) moved “that this meeting is in favour of an amalgamation with Manawatu, provided a suitable agreement can be come to with the Manawatu Union.” An amendment was moved by Mr Whiblev to the effect that the meeting regrets that the Management Committee should have called the delegates together without some concrete proposals re the amalgamation scheme, and until something is forthcoming in that direction the matter be shelved. Mr O’Connor moved a further amendment that it he a recommendation to the Management Committee of the Rugby Union to set up a small committee to meet the committee of the Manawatu Union to draw up a definite scheme, to be submitted to all clubs in this-Dnion, the clubs to be given ample time to discuss same.

This was seconded by Mr W. Moynihan and carried, Mr AYhibIcv’s amendment being withdrawn.