WAIKATO RUGBY DEADLOCK REMAINS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 10

WAIKATO RUGBY DEADLOCK REMAINS

UNION STILL AT LOGGERHEADS WITH HAMILTON BODY Hopes entertained that a settlement would be arrived at between the Waikato Rugby Union and Hamilton Sub-Union as a result of a meeting held last night have not been fulfilled. A deadlock still exists. (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, To-day. A deputation from the Hamilton Rugby Sub-Union waited without success on the Waikato Union last night at the parent body’s invitation. Messrs. C. Christie and A. S. Cliffe formed the Hamilton Sub-Union’s deputation. It was patent to all followers of Rugby in the Waikato, said Mr. A. S. Gliffe, that a conflict of interests between the Hamilton Sub-Union and the Waikato Rugby Union was not desirable in the interests of football. “We are of the opinion that the matter can be amicably settled by a conference between the bodies with the addition of an impartial outside chairman, and, say, a number of members of the New Zealand Rugby Union,” proceeded Mr. Cliffe. The decision to ask for a conference had been unanimous and it was felt that the level-headed men of both parties should lay their cards on the table and thrash the matter out. The differences of the past few years had not been for the betterment of Rugby football in the Waikato. Mr. A. Montgomery, chairman of the Waikato Rugby Union, requested the deputation to state its complaints, as the Waikato Union did not know them. Mr. Cliffe said he had no instructions to make complaints, but simply to ask for a conference. Mr. C. McDavitt, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, said: “The matter is entirely one of internal arrangement. The Hamilton SubUnion is one of eight whose representatives have met to see what arrangements can be arrived at, as to the differences.” He thought when the Hamilton Sub-Union submitted its differences it should put them to the Waikato Union, which could discuss them. If the Hamilton Sub-Union was not then satisfied it had a right to approach the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Mr. Cliffe stated the Waikato Rugby Union was asked some time ago for a conference to inquire into the differences which existed. The request was passed on to the New Zealand Rugby Union without comment, and the conference fell through. If it had been held it would, probably, have saved a lot of trouble. Players were anxious that the matter should be settled in conference, and the Hamilton SubUnion had been instructed by clubs to withhold affiliation from the parent body until such a conference took place. Mr. Montgomery: You come here and hold a pistol at our heads, demanding a conference. I agree with Mr. McDavitt that you are part and parcel of the parent body. If there are any complaints they will get just treatment. Mr. W. Milburn, as a new member of the union, had an entirely open mind on the question. It was very surprising that the Hamilton SubUnion should say it would tell the Waikato Union nothing until a conference was held. It was remarkable that any sporting body should do that. Mr. A. Yardley said the delegates had travelled some distance, expecting to hear Hamilton’s complaints. “Are you going to put your position before us?” asked the chairman. Mr. Cliffe: Certainly not. The Chairman: Well, gentlemen, I declare the meeting closed.