Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1927. RUGBY ADMINISTRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3688, 8 September 1927, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1927. RUGBY ADMINISTRATION.

THE opinion has been expressed by men in high positions that the welfare of the State is being endangered by too great a prominence beIpg given to sport in this Dominion. Our prosperity depends largely upon increased production. We cannot deny that evidence jjoints to economic waste in over-indulgence in sport. Within safe limits, however, physical recreation is essential in the building up of a virile manhood. Our national winter game is Rugby football and, given capable control, is worthy of encouragement. Playing the game for the game’s sake promotes the attributes of courage, sportsmanship and manliness. Control, or government of the game, however, is a very vital essential and those connected with the administration of the game should be actuated by a sense of fairness—men whose objective is to promote for our young manhood all that is best from a moral and physical standpoint. Those who seek to interest themselves from any other point should be-kept out of bounds. Now, as touching the control of Rugby football is this district, it cannot be denied that Foxton has not been-fairly treated by the controlling Council with the result that dissatisfaction and discontent has been rife locally for some years. In order to end. discontent Foxton has sought to play under the jurisdiction of the Manawatu Union, and last year application was made to this end but the matter was referred back to the Horowhenua Council, and the chairman of that body suggested remaining in Horowhenua this season to ascertain whether matters would improve. In the meantime an amendment was made to the rules of the combined union which vested the Horowhenua Council with powers to preclude any alteration of the boundaries. The object of that amendment was transparent, and to block Foxton’s desire to change over. The amendment also invests the Horowhenua Council with an authority which overrides the powers of the combined governing body! Foxton has as’ked to lay its request before the combined union, and has been informed by- the chairman of the Horowhenua Council that the matter will be dealt with by his council. Should, however, • the Horowhenua Council not grant the request of Foxton,- the latter will then have to appeal against the decision of the Horowhenua Council and the validity of the amending rule will be tested. In any case Foxton should exercise its right to air its grievances before the supreme council prior to next year’s season.