FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 165, 6 August 1909, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

PROTECTING THE TTKFRRKE, QUESTIONS IN NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Sydney, August 5. In the Assembly Mr. Fitzpatrick, referring to the rowdyism at Saturday's football matches asked the Chief Secletary if he would sec that in future, ao far as the referees were concerned, they should be provided with protection in the shape of coats of mail or police protection. The reply was a promise of adequate police protection. NEW ZEALAND UNION. LETTER FROM THE ENGLISH UNION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met to-night. Suspensions imposed by W«t Coast Union on players for fighting and using bad language were endorsed. T'n Hawke's Bay Union is required to send particulars concerning the suspension of a player till the end of the season for appearing on the field under the influence of liquor. The Ahuriri Club's -.TJpeal against the five years' suspension of a member by the Hawke's Bay Union for striking a player, using bad language and assaulting a referee, was dismissed, but the Union will be asked to recon aider the matter with a view of reduc ing the penalty. A letter from the English Union regarding the proposed alterations in the laws of the game stated that the Home Unions had been asked to join in conference with the colonial unions on the matter. He Scottish and Irish Unions were willing to discuss the matter with the other Home Unions, but not with colonials. Wales suggested that t)u question of a conference be discussed oy the International Board. The English Union would bring the matter before the International Board. Meantime it wou'd be unwise to sanction the proposed alterations.

There was not a very large attendance yesterday afternoon at the benefit football match tendered to Mr. J. Bill, of Mangatoki. The butchers and bakers proved too good for Fire Brigide.. winning by 15 points to nil. The Taranaki Football League's representative team left last night lor Auckland, where they will meet tie Auckland reps, under the Northern Union rules on Saturday.