FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

STANDARD OF PLAY. LAMENT FROM WELLINGTON, -4 By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, September 20. The falling off in the standard of Wellington football, so noticeable this year compared with last, has greatly exercised the authorities, and a special meeting of the Rugby Union Committee was held to discuss it, at which the selectors, including Wallace and F. Roberts, were called In to help. Roberts was strongly of opinion that the new rule as to kicking into touch had much to do with it, and received much support from others. Against this, it was stated that Sydney players were absolutely in favor of it. One member went so far as to say, "You never see the football now that was formerly witnessed,” and, as far as this year is concerned, few would dispute his opinion. The substance of the/ discussion was that the new rule did not Improve the game. Uniform interpretation of rules by referees was required, and a system by which players could get together during the week. THE LEAGUE CODE. N.S.W. v. AUCKLAND. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The New South Wales League team played Auckland province to-day in perfect weatner and before an attendance of 6000. Play was fast, hard and Interesting, both sides attacking in turn. New South Wales were slightly superior owing to more complete combination of their backs, while the Auckland forwards played well in combined efforts. The scores, 21 to 20 in favour of New South Wales, represent the respective merits of the teams. A MOVE IN TARANAKI. About twenty supporters of the Rugby League code met at the Soldiers’ Club, New Plymouth, last night. Mr. J. R. Sceates was elected to the chair, and the upshot of the discussion was the formation of a working committee to l canvass the district and go Into the matter of grounds, etc. In his opening remarks, the chairman said that several League enthusiasts thought they should start the game here. The game made for open play and gave the light players a chance. Hq did not want them to get the idea that they would make a living oqt of the game, but the League considered that players should be reimbursed, for their out of pocket expenses. Mr. W. B. Stock, a League referee, said that, as an old Rugby player, he considered the League game far superior. He, outlined a few of the League rules, referring particularly to the fact that there was no kicking into touch, while the advantage rule gave every possible chance of keeping the game going so long as the opposite side got the advantage. The off-side rule was very strict. There would be a lot to do before they could get going next season, and they wanted to have everything ready.

Replying to questions, Mr. Stock said that with regard to the financial side of the game, all money would be controlled by the delegates elected to the association by the clubs. The delegates would handle the money and would report to the clubs. A lot of people were under the misapprehension that the League code was a professional game. There was no such thing as a professional in New Zealand, but when they became financial there was no reason why they should not give the clubs jerseys, boots, etc., or pay the cost of conveyance to other towns when teams had to travel. Mr. Stock added that a visit to New Plymouth from the Australian players now in New Zealand had been promised if it were possible. They had two teams for giving exhibition games, but falling them he would try to get two Auckland teams to come down and give an exhibition game.

The chairman mentioned that they were absolutely against paying a man for his services. His idea was that every month a statement should be published showing the financial position, so that the public would know how the money was being spent.

Mr. W. M. Mclntosh then moved that the League game be introduced into Taranaki. This was seconded by Mr. G. Blanchard and carried unanimously.

The following committee, with power to add supporters of the game from outside districts, was then elected to arrange preliminary details and report to another meeting in a month’s time: Messrs. W. M. Mclntosh, E. Beattie, L. Titchman, W. B. Stock, J. R. Sceates, E. J. Ulander, B. Frewin, T. Jones, N. Lovell, G. Mclsaac, O. Tocker (Stratford), - Nicholls (Eltham), and Malone (Mangatoki). Office-bearers will be elected at the next meeting.