RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3695, 24 September 1927, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

ALTERATION OF BOUNDARIES,

HOROWIHENUA COUNCIL’S DECISION. After the deputation from the Foxton Club withdrew from the meeting on evening of the Ilorowhenua Rugby (Council Mr Robinson stated that he did not want to bring anything from the Awahou Club except to say that they had held a meeting when 27 members were present and had unanimously declared themselves satisfied with their treatment by Ilorowhenua. They would let Horowhenua judge for themselves whether they wanted their territory given away. He was strongly opposed to it. Manawatu were already strong enough in finance, players and territory. Mr. Casey said the President of the Combined Union (Mr. Ongley) had given his interpretation of the rules to the effect that this Council could receive the deputation and decide whether their case was likely to receive the assent of the delegates from the clubs. If not they could' take no action and let it be brought up by Foxton at the annual meeting.

The Chairman: Foxton also have this: That they can have a special meeting of delegates by getting three clubs to sign a petition asking for it.

Mr. Neville: Foxton are the plaintiffs; we are the defendants. We should not be the judges also. Why not get someone else —the delegates’ meeting —to decide? Mi’. Ryder: This Council is the body the delegates set up and we should have enough responsibility to decide. There are two clubs in Levin. Supposing the Wanderers were dissatisfied with their treatment by the Union and wanted) to go out Manawatu and take Weraroa with them —they would not have a leg to stand on. It is the same in the case of Foxton.

Mr. Neville: Why not call a meeting of the Awahou Club and see if they are in favour of separation? Mr. Robinson: Would it matter if Awahou were in favour? Would that justify this Council in giving 60 Awahou players away? Would the Council stand that even if they wanted to go? NO CASE FOR ACTION.

Mr. Robinson then moved and Mr. Ryder seconded: “That after hearing the Foxton deputation, the Council is of the opinion that no action should be taken.” Mr. Robson said that he wanted to see fairness done and with all respect to the view that it was largely a quarrel between two clubs at Foxton, he would still like to know definitely that the Awahou Club were quite satisfied with the treatment they had received. Mr. Robinspn: There was a special meeting last night with nearly thirty players present, and they passed a resolution unanimously that the present boundary be not altered. Three members were appointed to come here to-night and I have told you why they are not here.

Mr. Neville: There was a petition in Foxton signed by Awahou players in favour of going into Te Kawau and a lot of those men did not know anything about the special meeting being held.. He said Foxton wanted to know Avliere they stood next year. Personally he was not against Horowhenua;

The chairman pointed out that if the motion was carried, Foxton could still have a delegates’ meeting if they got two other’ clubs ip favour of it. Paraparaumu hacl already stated that they sympathised with Foxton.

Mr. Neville: We might not get another club. Mr. Robson: If Foxton think they are being done an injustice, .Miranui will be sporting enough to help them to call a special meeting. Mr. Neville moved an amendment: “That a special meeting of delegates be called to discuss this matter with Foxton Club,” but there was no seconder, Mr. Neville remarkihg: “That is how it is. We knew where we were before we started.” • The motion to take no action was then carried, Mr. Neville' dissenting. For some years past local Rugby footballers have been dissatisfied with the administration of the district controlling authority, the Horowhenua Rugby 'Council. The grievances submitted to the Council have not received fair treatment and the local club with the backing of the public has requested to be allowed to transfer to the Manawatu district. This request has met with studied opposition from the Council, and obstacles have been placed in the way of permitting the local club and representatives of the public from stating its case before the combined controlling authority. To counter this obstruction, Foxton will consider withdrawing from Horowhenua and arrange a purely local competition, in which case it would have the general support of the public. A public meeting will be held at an early date to discuss what action will be taken. i In their second match of the tour, played at. Newport, the New South Wales Rugby footballers defeated Newport- by 20 points to 3. The ground was in a sodden state.