RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 11 May 1928, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

HOROWHENUA DISTRICT COUNCIL. The management committee of the Horowhenua Rugby District Council met on Tuesday evening, there being present: Messrs W. Hannan (president), J. W. Procter (Ilui Mai), S. Hooper (Weraroa), E. M. Ryder (Wanderers), H. McDonald (Schools), H. Hutchins (Foxton), F. Robinson (Hautere), G. Mitchell (Shannon), A. Richards (Shannon), and J. W. Rimmer (treasurer). Leave of absence 'was granted to Messrs J. Casey (secretary) and W. Phillips (Referees). SHANNON PLAYER CAUTIONED. A letter was received from Mr lb 11. McGregor referee •in the FoxtonShannon junior match, stating that he had ordered A. Mason, a Shannon player, off the field for striking out at a Foxton player. The writer added that Mason subsequently apologised, both to the player and the referee. Therefore Mr McGregor asked that the offender be dealt with as leniently as possible. On the motion of Mr Ryder, seconded by Mr Robinson, it was decided that Mason be cautioned, informing him that if he comes up again this offence will be used against him. FOXTON GROUNDS. The Foxton club wrote with refeience to the Council’s request that the club obtain the control of two grounds ou the racecourse; and enclosed a letter from the Racing Club agreeing to grant the club’s request for an extra ground. The Racing Club pointed out that there might be a slight difficulty over the ground during the present occupation of the course by the Territorials. The football club secretary (Mr R. Hornblow) intimated, in his letter to the Council, that the camps would conclude at the end of the present month, and were not a serious obstacle.

The committee decided, on the motion of Mr Procter, seconded by Mr Ryder, that the correspondence be referred back and that the Foxton Football Club be asked for more definite information.

‘ QUESTIONS OF GRADING. Mr F. C. Middleton, secretary'of the Paraparaumu club, wrote again with reference to his request for the regrading 'of L. Corner to junior status, which had been declined. He enclosed a letter from the Athletic club stating that, although Corner had played senior B twice, he would not be classed! in that grade, but would, in the secretary’s estimation, be graded as an average junior player. The meeting agreed that the Paraparaumu club be notified that Corner will be allowed to play for them as a jun'or. Mr R. G. Nimmo, secretary of the Maungatiiku club, submitted three names of senior players who were playing for County last year, but who were unable to get a senior game this year. These were Puna Tamaki, M. Webber, and J. Stewart. The secretary asked that they be re-graded junior, as the club had only, 15 players. It was resolved, on the motion of , Mr Proctor, seconded by Mr Hooper, that the three players named be regraded as juniors on behalf of Maungatuku. RANGITIKEI CHALLENGE FOR BEBBINGTON SHIELD. A letter was received from Mr J. Greaves, secretary of the Rangitikei Sub-union, containing a challenge for a match for Ike Bebbington Shield, to be played at Foxton. The challenge Avas accepted. The questions of date and venue Avere held over. •OTHER REP. GAMES. The President gave notice to move at the next meeting in the direction of altering the day of the Maori-Pa-keha match from a Saturday to a Wednesday, and the place from Shannon to • Levin, provided that the Foxton club is agreeable to the ManaAvatuHonnvhenua game being played at Shannon. FRIENDLY MATCH AT FOXTON The Foxton club applied for permission to use the ground for a friendly game on Saturday next, there being no regular match set down for that day. The request Avas granted, on the motion of Mr Ryder, seconded by Mr Robinson. It Avas decided that players Avquld take part in the game on the date named at their oavu risk as regards injuries, the Council’s insurance fund not applying to such engagements . GATE AT MIRANUI Mr Richards suggested that he take a “gate’’ at the Miranui-Shannon match\ next Saturday, and his offer was accepted. PROTEST AGAINST A REPLACE- • MENT. Arising out of the senior match at Levin last Saturday, Weraroa forwarded a protest against Wanderers replacing Sinclair with C. McDonald at half time, Weraroa alleging that Sinclair was not injured. Mr McDonald (member of the Council and one of the selectors) stated that, prior to the game, he saAV Sinclair doing up his boots, and said, “Hello, Bob. Hoav are you?” Sinclair replied, “Not too plumb.” After half-time was called, Mr McDonald app£oaehed Sinclair, who Avas shaking his head; Mr McDonald also met Mr Jacob, his co-selector, Avho Avent to the Wanderers’ skipper, and the latter then engaged in conversation with the Weraroa skipper. Afterwards Mr McDonald saw Sinclair at the picket fence. Mr Hooper asked Mr McDonald if he knew Avhere Sinclair Avas injured, and he replied that he thought it was his knee. Mr Hooper then asked if it would surprise Mr McDonald to know that Mr Jacob had stated that it Avas Sinclair’s ear that Avas injured. He added that there Avas no stoppage of the game in the first half. Mr Ryder questioned Mr Hooper about the stop •' . and asked if Na- *

hona, of Weraroa, was not replaced by Horn. Mr Hooper, in reply, stated that that was correct, but he was referring to Sinclair. Mr Richards moved and Mr Robinson seconded that as the two captains had agreed in the matter, no action be taken. The motion was carried, Mr Hooper voting against it. Weraroa has the right to appeal to the combined Union. A note was made, at Mr Ryder’s request, that the secretary of the Wanderers club was not notified of the alleged offence. It was decided to refund to Weraroa its protest fee of 10s, but that club was fined the same amount for having, taken the field without a ball.