PROFESSIONALISM IN RUGBY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8838, 14 June 1907, Page 4

PROFESSIONALISM IN RUGBY.

"Has he killed any one?" queried Oounicllor Castle at the Pctone Borough Council meeting when a letter was received from the secret tary of the Wellington Rugby Union, advising that A. H. Baskivillo had been suspended by the union, and asking tho Council to write and warn Mr Baskiville from entering on the Petono Rocreatiou Ground, "No," answered the Mayor, "but I believe he has grievously offended the Rugby Union.'' Councillor Coles: I don't think it lias anything to do with us. Let them do their own dirty work. Councillor Nicholson: Can we do anything? It is a free ground. Councillor Lodder; Tho union has no power to do anything like that on our grounds. Councillor Coles: What have wo to do with this matter? Is it anything to do with us if he has refused to sign a certain paper, The Mayor: If wo liked to write to the Rugby Union authorising them to order the man off they could do so. Councillor Lodder : Is this matter all there is against the man? The Mayor; I understand ho is the secretary of the New Zealand professional Rugby football team, Councillor Cole 3: He has admitted it.

The Mayor: If the Council is desirous of puttingdown professionals 1 ism in football, now is the chance i,o show its hand. Councillor Castle :"Who is to say where professionalism begins? Councillor Southgate: What about putting down professionalism in the union itself? It is after, money all the time.

Councillor Lodder: Not individually. Tho Mayor : We gave the Trotting Club power to put any ono off the ground if they so desired during the meeting. Councillor Castle moved that similar authority be given the Rugby Unioon, and this was carried without dissent.