FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1919, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

"SEVERANCE BOUND TO COME." COMMENTS ON NEW ZEALAND'S ATTITUDE. Under Uio heading of "A Serious Posliion in New Zealand," the Athletic News deals at some length with the attitude of the New Zealand Rugby Union concerning tlio alterations to the laws of the game. The article states: "The Rugby Football Union will have somo' very Interesting business to transact one of these days. Prior to tlie recent annual general meeting the committee had under consideration an Imjuiry from Now Zealand asking whether alteration in the professional laws or laws of the game by their union would involve severance from the Rugby Union, and it was. declared any such changes would mean severance—an opinion which has since been emphasised by letter. In the Interval, however, tho annual meeting of the New Zealand P.ugby Union liad been held. At that time, as wo read from the lengthy account of tile session published by ilu> tho Evening Post, of Wellington, a motion tabled by a 'reformer,' Mr. F. .T. Ohlson (Auckland); where professionalism or 'Leaguo' football—which is the same thing—first developed, was defeated, though tho same delegate carr.'ed apparently minor but really Insidious and important schemes. Rule 2 of the Constitution reads: "It (the New Zealand Rugby Union) shall affiliate with the English Rugby Union, and shall adopt the laws of football and the rules as to pro-, fessionalism as from time to time fixed by that body.' Mr. Ohlaon proposed that the words 'as from time to time fixed by that body,' be deleted, and that the following be substituted in lieu thereof: 'But may make such modifications as may be deemed desirable in tho interests of the game.' By 24 votes to 20 tills motion was lost, but Mr. Ohlson had better fortune with some other propositions which pertain divisional unions were prepared to flay." The "abolition of tho wing forward" Is referred to as an "Insidious proposition," and the following amendment is made: Despite the protestations of Dr. P. F. McEvedy, the old Kent footballer, and Mr. G. H. Dixon, tho Yorkshireman, who managed the tour of the original New Zealand team, the motion was carried. Dr. McEvedy denounced as camouflage of the worst type this Introduction of practically a Northern Union rule, which was contrary to the fundamental principles of Rugby football, and Mr. Dixon held there was no necessity for the rule. They were beaten on the vote, however." After dealing with other Questions, the Athletic New 3 says: "The upshot of all those resolutions has been that shrewd legislators like Dr. McEvedy and Messrs. Dixon, Fache, Wylie, and others are lost to the Rugby game in New Zealand, and further resignations aro expected if the radical charges are persisted lu as threatened by Auckland. When tho belated cablegram of th Rugby Union was bter received, and it was known that any alterations of the laws was tantamount to severance of affiliation the seriousness of the position beenmo patent to all, and the leading critics demanded review of the whole I position. Whether this has been done we cannot say; but It is positively certain that If matches are played under the altered rules, and the Now Zealand Unl.m give their approval, then there must automatically fol- ! low a cessation of tho friendly relations. To analyse tho trend of New Zealand feeling Is perfectly easy. In Auckland the influence of the League is being felt, and It Is hoped to introduce such sweeping innovations into the game which may make it from the spectacular point of view as attractive as the Northern Union code. Auckland men 'protest against any such idea, hut, there it Is The great success of a tour of the New Zealand League players in Australia, where In two great games 84,000 people paid £ 5.100 to see the performance, is certain to have further effect upon the feeling of the Auckland legislators, and only the homecoming of the conquering Sorvices team to play straight Rugger —if they are allowed to do so—ls likely to hare any check upon tho demand for the spectacular. The position can be reviewed tints: The New Zealanders—or a majority of the delegates to the union—desire to provide an entertainment which will make money; In this cnun-' fry the demand is for the maintenance of a recreation for players The spectators and the toll are secondary considerations. Our brethren and cousins at the Antipodes cannot realise this essential difference."

A NOKTHERN UNION OPINION. "A loading official of the Northern Rugby union, discussing the subject of Dominion footbail with one of our representatives i/i Saturday, declared that the beat tiling which could happen for Rugby Unionism In this country would be the severance of Australasian football from Kome control. Undcmodcrn conditions, lie*declared, the attitude nf the colonial and the Motherland legislators and players on the game could not pnssihlv tally. And we agree with him. Severance may be regrettable, but sooner or later, it is bound to come. The expeit pressmen and the older officials of New Zealand Rugby football foresee the inevitable rift. The fault is not that of the Rugby Football Union of England who are determined to uphold the constitution, but that of people in Auckland who regard not the value of football as a pastime but the attractive and financial sld° ,->' tho game."