A RUGBY DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 94, 21 April 1928, Page 23

A RUGBY DISPUTE.

KING COUNTRY CONFERENCE

STILL AT A DEADLOCK.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

TE KUITI, Friday.

The special conference arranged by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to inquire into the split in the King Country Union, caused by the secession of Maniapoto Sub-union from the parent body, owing to the creation of a fresh sub-union at Otorohanga, took place here last night. The conference comprised the following delegates:—Te Kuiti: W. Copsey, R. Body, and G. Elliott. Otorohanga: A. B. Mobsman, J. Trapski, W. Skinner, King Country; Messrs Steadman, Otto and Johns, with Mr. Fletcher, of the N.Z.R.U., as chairman. Mr. G. Joseph represented Kawiiia Union. A large number of the public were also present.

Mr. Fletcher opened by counselling all parties to debate the position as clearly and concisely as possible, without bitterness, heat, or personality. Otorohanga would be allowed thirty minutes to state their case, Maniapoto would have the same time to reply, and King Country would be given the same opportunity of putting the case from the union's standpoint.

The meeting lasted till midnight without any definite decision being arrived at. The finding of the chairman being as follow:—(1) The Maniapoto delegates established their case; (a) the Otorohanga Sub-union was contrary to Rule C. Delegates from three subunions should have been present; (b) King Country Rugby Union erred in confirming irregular minutes; (c) Maniapoto also erred in appealing direct to the N.Z.R. Union.

Jiwt before midnight an adjournment of live minutes was allowed to permit delegates to confer. On resuming, Mr. W. Copsey moved and Mr. Body seconded: "That Otorohanga continue to function as a unit of the Maniapoto Union, with a separate executive, to arrange their own matches." This Otorohanga refused to accept. Mr. G. Elliott then suggested that Otorohanga define a proposed boundary, with a view to reviewing the question of granting them a'sub-union. This question was being considered when the chairman had to close the conference to catch the express for Wellington. Before leaving Mr. Fletcher enjoined the delegates to act in a conciliatory spirit and try to adjust matters.