BAN ON NEWSPAPERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 981, 26 May 1930, Page 1

BAN ON NEWSPAPERS

RUGBY UNION COMMITTEE NOT CONSULTED SUPPORT FOR THE SUN “l cannot discuss this matter at the present time,” said Mr. H. Frost, chairman cf the Auckland Rugby Union, this morning, wh&n interviewed by a SUN representative regarding the action of Rugby Union officials in refusing permission to sell papers at Eden Park before three o’clock. ~VfR. FROST added that the question would probably be discussed by the Management Committee and until then he preferred not to comment on the matter. Mr. Frost was also asked if the action taken had been authorised by the Management Committee, but declined, on the abovementioned grounds, to discuss tti9 point. It is understood, however, that this question, which is entirely one of policy, was not submitted to members of the Management Committee. Indignation at the extraordinary attitude taken up by Rugby Union officials has been expressed by Rugby supporters in letters received this morning. One, who signs himself “Thirty-five Years Rugby Follower,” writes from Mangere as follows: “I would like to raise my voice in protest against what I think is an unsportsmanlike action on the part of the Auckland Rugby Union ir banning the evening paper at Eden Park on Saturdays. This latest move is typical and only bears out what has been said again and again by the followers of Rugby Union football —that the game is second to none, but that those* who are at the head of affairs are incompetent to manage such a business. This lack of efficiency is proven by the fact that in spite of all our big gates in past days, we are now in the financial position of having to charge ladies one shilling entrance fee to see a football match at Eden Park. I understand that Saturday’s display of business efficiency is in order that the “Gazette” sales may be increased. Such being the case—and considering that ladies are asked to pay that one shilling for entrance to the ground—may J. ask that the “surplus” so raised be spent in providing a good band for Eden Park each Saturday afternoon, especially as it does not take one hour to read the booklet which the many wish had not been brought into being. .Further, I would like to say that the “spirit of threat” displayed by Mr Maben on Saturday in reference to your paper will not receive the endorsement of Rugby followers, who are, I am sure, lovers of justice. Thanking The Sun for the good it has done in supporting New Zealand’s national game, and also for being the means of introducing pictures in Auckland’s daily papers. I wish you success in ; the future.” WELFARE OF PATRONS Another correspondent writes:“Allow me to offer my heartiest congratulations to your paper at the attitude* it has adopted the A.R.U/S decision not to permit the" sale of newspapers at Eden Park until after three o’clock on Saturdays,” states Rugbyite. “As a supporter, I think it is high time the Rugby officials woke up and gave more thought to their patrons instead of always worrying about the £.s.d. First, followers of the game received a shock at the exorbitant charges of admission scheduled for the English team’s tour. Second, the change of colours to be worn by the New Zealand team. Third, the delay in selecting the New Zealand team and depriving the men of having an opportunity of going into training for at least two weeks. “I, among many others, am disgusted with the methods of the Rugby officials of late, and if such continue, shall be forced to support the League code, where the welfare of patrons is the first consideration. “Rugby, these days, is an amateur game, with professional prices.”