RUGBY AND DRILL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6, 4 May 1912, Page 4

RUGBY AND DRILL.

“SURPRISED AT FUSS HERE.” 1 ' (Per Press Association.) Auckland, May 3. Up to the present no difficulty has been anticipated by the Rugby Football authorities in regard to Territorial parades interfering with football during the coming season. • Mr. Langsford, secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union, informed a “Star” representative that he was'surprised that the Wellington officials wer.e making a fuss. The Auckland Union had always found the Defence Department ready to meet them in every possible way. The Department had, in fact, always shown the great- ./ cst consideration for all branches of sport. He understood that the four parades that were to take place this month would only occupy two and a half days, as the intention was to commences these parades at 10 o'clock and stop about 6 or 7 iu the evening, thus merging two parades into one. In this way matters would he greatly simplified as far as football players were concerned. It was recognised that it was the duty of the lads who were called upon to serve to attend the necessary number of parades. The Union had not desired to prevent them from doing that. Some of the football players, who are also Territorials, have intimated their intention of declining to parade while the football season is on. If they adopt this course it will necessitate \ the Department (through the police) taking action, and a few fines hably have a salutary effect. ATTITUDE IN SOUTHLAND. Invercargill, May 3. The committee of the Southland Rugby Union, at its meeting to-night', passed a resolution in appreciation of the Defence Act, and recognising the fair and just manner in which the Defence authorities were endeavouring -/ *o carry out their none too light task. Members wore of opinion that the attendance cf Rugbvite.s at parades on a few occasions during tno .season would not seriously interfere with the carrying through of local Rugby fixtures.