The Daily News WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1904. THE DECLINE OF THE FOOTBALLER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 138, 15 June 1904, Page 2

The Daily News WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1904. THE DECLINE OF THE FOOTBALLER.

During the past few weeks New Zealand's "national pastime"— —has fallen somewhat into disrepute owing to the unsportsmanlike conduct of a section of the players. It is to he hoped this section is only n small one, and that it will soon bi> come extinct, otherwise the public, who are generally critical judges of g»od sport, will withdraw their support from this branch of out-door amusement, Wangaaui has tend the doubtful honour of supplying an unusually striking example of "rough play," which has been discussed in the press of the colony under the heading of the "Hugby Hough" nod other equally forcible if unpleasantly candid terms. Several players in other parts of tile colony have ttpen brought up all standing by their governing authorities, and removed from their sphere of not infrequently brutal activity on the field for varying terms. It must bo a source, ol KratMcation to the public to note that some measures are being taken to reclaim the fine old game from the level of a brawl ; but the corrective is being applied none too soon, and those responsible for the conduct of football matches will require to exercise very strict supervision. There is, however, what may he called a concomitant evil, in the shape of the ''berracker,'' whose raucous vociferations call for eqlialIy speedy suppression. Referring to this feature of the football field «ie New Zealand Times mentions tlmt at the Athletic Parle on Saturday a number of hoodlums formed themselJ'«B into an apparently organised band, whose chief business it was to follow the progress of the match and shout and groan in concert whenever any particular decision of the referee did not meet with their especial and enlightened taste. Two very noticeable exhibitions of tits ojLjjectionable and unseemly couduct took place—once when PoneEo forced Melrose and narrowly missed a try. and later when an exactly similar event took place, the 'positions of the attacking and opposing sides being reversed. The Times then pertinently observes that if a referee is to have his ruling 'questioned in this discreditable way, and his Judgment called into account on every possible occasion, the good spirit at present prompting a small band of enthusiasts to perform the exceedingly thankless task of refereeing will grow beautifully less, and a pretty state of things will ensue. The spectator, whose chiel object in life seems to be "boohoo. dig" can very well be done without. If he is permitted to ply his offensive calling, decent people may well be excused for refusing to identify themselves with football in any shape or form. In Melbourne, and particularly in Sydney, the cricket Held has been disgraced by the same kind of behaviour. When feeling has i run high, as in the games against English teams, the umpires have not only been hooted, but personally attacked and ill-treated, and players, too, havo been so disconcerted b.y the persistent ill-natured demonstrations against them that they have refused to continue at the wickets. In big cities, however, there always exists a class in whom the sportsmanlike instinct that can accept defeat good-naturedly can not be looked for ; but it is a painful reflection to know that such a class flourishes here also. The remedy against their savagery-for the term is not 100 strong—is dillicult to lind. One course of action which might havo a good effect would be to give the referee power to stop the game. At any rate, consideration requires to be given to the matter. The sport will soon be left to the '•rough," ns regards both player and spectator, if some measures are not adopted.