TUG-OF-WAR COMPETITIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1918, Page 2

TUG-OF-WAR COMPETITIONS.

To the Editor. Sir, —Having acted in the capacity of judge for tug-of-war . competitions for many years past, nnd in oAer to rectify ; any, misapprehension that may exist in rho minds of parents as to permitting their sons to take part, I feel compelled to reply to your self-styled anonymous correspondent, "Referee," who apparently regards writing to tine public press j as "the great panacea of -all evils" ra- | ther than make his recommendations to the committee in charge of the competitions who, in the interests of the boys and clean sport would have welcomed them. To set your corresponent's mind at rest on the question of five minute pulls ;-s raised by him, I may say this limit has never been exercised as far as the boys are concerned, as 3 minutes has always been deemed sufficient, which was the case in last year's competitions. In addition to this, I have been informed by the official timekeeper that the average duration of these pulls do not exceed 1J ulos, and in only one instance does he remember a pull going a trifle over two jninutes. The committee had always taken every care and precaution with "all the arrangements for these competitions, and have yet to iearn of any ill results therefrom. Regarding the latter portion of "Referee's" letter as to physical fitness and training necessary to wm these competitions, I would also point out the very necessary counterpart, Viz., combination and control, which was so cleverly demonstrated by that wonderful Maori team who, without any special training or advice from a physical culturist in the international Tug-"of-war competitions some years ago defeated all comers and combinations without any great effort. Their control consisted in 'holding their opponents until the psychological moment when a shrill war cry from a wahme amongst the audience produced the combination of effort that placed the result beyond all shadow of doubt. In conclusion, I think I can confidently &<<ft that if "Referee" has any suggestion'? to make for the improvement, and success of these competitions the commit tee will be pleased to receive thorn.---I am, etc.. E. WHITTLE