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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 38, 21 March 1914, Page 6 (Supplement)

It would be unreasonable to expect a general unanimity among footballers with regard to the proposals—comprised in a revised interpretation of certain rules —adopted at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening* But to those' enthusiasts of the amateur game who are concerned for the welfare of Rugby as against its most powerful competitor, the Northern Union, the proposals will be welcome. Of recent years comparisons have been made—and with excellent reason—between the rival games, and since New Zealand is .unable to rear such dashers as the All Blacks, every season, these comparisons have favoured the professional exposition. Brilliant displays by the brilliant racehorses of the South Wales League have set thinking the supporters of the old game, and"; in common with a large section of sporting public, we believe that there is room for improvement in the Rugby system. As compared with the League game, it lacks that spectacular element which so greatly appeals to the onlookers. The majority of 'those- who follow football for the love of the sport is agreed that, as a general principle, the amateur is better able to satisfy the crowd than the professional. It is a principle established years since, and it will take a lot of uprooting. But the governing body, the English Rugby Union, has not moved with the times; its conservatism has allowed a powerful rival to make good. The local provincial union has before this made an effort (through the New Zealand body) to galvanise the Mother Country into action, but without avail. The Canterbury Union sees the necessity for a brightening-up of the sport, for an interpretation of the rules more in the spirit of the game, and with less regard for the letter than formerly. There is little to caVil at in the rules when they are liberally construed, but all-the trouble lies in their interpretation. The Sun's opinion of the details of the three alterations has been adequately outlined in our sports' columns last Monday, and all that remains to be said is that the lead given by the Canterbury Union might be followed vantage in the, other provinces. We want less scrambling, less scrumming, less whistle—we want more literal football.