HOCKEY CONTROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1938, Page 6

HOCKEY CONTROL

THE INDIAN MANAGER’S OBSERVATIONS. LOCAL UMPIRE’S REJOINDER. (To the Editor.) Sir-At a reception to the members of the Indian hockey team at Masterton where Professor Jagan Nath commented on the Wairarapa game the umpires were never given a chance to respond. We could have told him why we blew the whistle. That little speech was published in local and Wellington papers; that is why I am asking for a little space in your paper to defend our side. The Professor said there is room for improvement. Well, let it be on both sides. The contact with body was chiefly done by the -Indianswhen nearing the circle. I can't understand why the local team did not go in to striking distance on many occasions. It would have broken down their breakaway several times, through the Indians obstructing by their turning. I am with the professor in regard to trivialities, within reason. The professor suggests that an umpire should keep his whistle in his mouth and not in his hand (that is nonsense). I was very pleased when he used the word “instantaneous," because at a practice with the College on the previous day, I said to the New Zealand manager that their umpire was not using the advantage rule and blowing his whistle too soon. On the Saturday, their lineouts were shocking, which caused no end of whistle, and also advancing before the bully was completed. I want readers of this note to take notice, between the time the whistle is taken from the mouth of the umpire and the sound when it arrives at the stand and then you will see where the professor was deceived. I have repeatedly noticed it in different games witnessed by me on the Memorial Park. The visitors have enjoyed every minute of their stay here and we hope players will take a lesson from their clever team. Again thanking you. Yours, etc. S. BURNIP. N.Z.H.U.A. Umpire. Masterton. June 16.