RUGBY CONTROL.

Shannon News, 3 September 1926, Page 1

RUGBY CONTROL.

FOXTON’S SECESSION OPPOSED. APPLICATION SHARPLY CRITICISED. Tiie Management Committee of the Horowhenua District Rugby Council met last evening, Mr J. J. O’Connor presiding. Also present-Miesere J. Rimmer, W. Hannan, M. Winiata, F. Robinson, W. N. Anderson, W. Neville, H. G. McDonald, N. Emmett (Referees’ Association), J. Procter, and J. Casey. . Foxton Football Club forwarded the text of a resolution carried unanimously at a special general meeting held on Monday: “That this Club makes representations to the Combined Union to have the present boundaries between the Horowhenua and Manawatu Unions altered by making the Manawatu River the boundary between the two Unions.” Many strong remarks of condemnation at such a movement preceded the remarks of the chairman when he said: “This looks to me like a blow to our status. If we give in to Foxton and allow them to go we might as well shut our doors, and go out of football. Shannon, for instance, might say the same thing I Mr Robinson: I believe the facts are these:' They say they can’t travel on account of flood waters. That argument is easily exploded. In the first place Awahou juniors fulfilled every obligation asked of them, and so. have Foxton’s thirds and fourths. Yet the Foxton Club says it can’t travel oh account of floods, but we know different! Awahou are perfectly satisfied. If you allow Foxton to go to Manawatu what will you do with Awahou? This sort of thing isn’t going, to do much good for the union. Mr Casey moved: “That this Council will hot countenance any alteration in the boundaries, as defined by the rules of the Combined Union.” Mr Casey said that at the annual meeting of the Combined Union the secretary (Mr J. B. i Proud) had made it very plain that the Combined Union would have no conversation with any particular club, tout 1 that all matters must go through the district council. Of cburse, there were exceptions, but the rules were so laid out. Mr Procter seconded the motion, and expressed strong disapproval of Foxton’s attitude.

“For what did we - amalgamate?” asked Mr Rimmer. For no other purpose than the betterment of football in both districts. Boundaries had been declared, and, maintained the speaker, these could not 'be altered unless the Horowhenua Union, said, “We don’t want Foxton.’.’ Manawatu could not be permitted to encroach on Horowhenua, which would certainly not permit itself to poach upon Manawatu’s ground. (Hear, hear). Mr Robinson remarked that, if Foxton were allowed to go, Tokomaru and Shannon also might make similar requests, and Horowhenua would be in danger of losing its birthright. (Hear, hear). Since the amalgamation the two Councils—Horowhenua and Manawatu—had pulled well together, their efforts being crowned with success .and it would be a pity to cause a rupture because one team tried to pull out. The speaker was certain that not for one moment would Manawatu entertain the application. Mr Anderson made the observation that Foxton had cited travelling as one of' the reasons for changing. Well, if they did go over to Manawatu the team would find it had to travel to Woodville, 30 miles, Palmerston North 22 miles,, and Feilding further on, several times in succession. They would not have games .so close handy as now. Mr Robinson: If the junior teams travel why can’t the seniors? Mr O’Connor: The real grievance seems to toe that we won’t make the punt reliable. (Laughter). Seeing we (havfen’t any jurisdiction jover the Horowhenua County Council, or the punt, then Foxton has no good grievance. Mr Anderson: Other teams get over when the punt isn’t working. If the boys can travel, so can the seniors. Mr Neville (Foxton): The trouble is that there are three or four taxis only in the town. There are motor lorries, which must not travel without licenses, etc. This makes it expensive for players to jravel by taxi, except when the lorries are going. Anyway, the traffic “cop” at Foxton seems to be (blind. (Laughter). The motion, on being put to the meeting, was unanimously carried.