RUGBY LEAGUE’S SECRECY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2987, 16 January 1926, Page 3

RUGBY LEAGUE’S SECRECY.

REPORTERS BARRED

DR. THACKER, AUTOCRAT.

Apparently (says the Christchurch Sun) the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Rugby League does not love publicity, except of the laudatory kind, for the president (Dr H. T. J. Thacker) grew quite cross on Saturday evening, when a Sun man entered a meeting which had been advertised in the newspapers.

“I don’t want. reporters of any description at this meeting! I don’t want anyone here who is connected with the Press!”

Such was the president’s dictum, uttered in firm, yet annoyed tones. “But, Mi’. President, this centre—,” began Mr. T. Kirton, chairman of the centre executive.

“I will not have the Press at this meeting! It is purely a committee meeting!”

“But why should we go into committee about our business Why—..« “I’ll tell you when the reporters leave the room!” “Mr President, I want —” began Mr AY. S. E. Moyle, the honorary secretary of the centre. “I don’t want any reporters here!” The Sun man went outside while the weighty question of admitting the Press was threshed out. After some voices had sounded loudly* the Press was informed that its services were not required. AA r hen the secretary and the chairman of the centre executive were approached on Monday morning neither would make a statement, averring that the meeting had been bound to secrecy. The discussion lasted over three hours, and nothing definite was arrived at, although the meeting was lively at times.