NEW SCRUM RULE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 77, 1 April 1932, Page 10

NEW SCRUM RULE.

NEW ZEALAND UNION'S COMMENT. BELATED REGRETS EXPRESSED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. "The committee is concerned about the alteration regarding the hooking of the ball in the' scrummage, which may affect our traditional formation, of 2 —3 — 2," states the annual report of the New Zealand Rugby Union. "'The stipulation regarding hooking has been the subject of several communications with the Rugby Football Union in England, but no alteration has yet been made. Alterations to laws of the game were decided upon by the International Board without reference to the overseas Dominions, but in this the board is within its rights. Nevertheless, it is felt that had the unions comprising the International Board agreed to the request of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand for a conference during the visit of the South African team to Great Britain, it would have been more in keeping with the expressed intentions of the Home unions. The New Zealand request for a conference was not acceded to, and draft by-laws of a commission to be set up had been received, but acceptance of these had been held over by Australia and New Zealand. South Africa has accepted the commission without reservation."

"It now appears to the committee," the report adds, "that the commission should be accepted, but with a reservation that overseas unions may appoint a resident delegate, with full powers in Great Britain, to attend the proceedings. The expense of sending two delegates would bear too heavily on Australian and New Zealand unions."

AUCKLAND UNION.

SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNEY, APRIL 23. At last night's meeting of the Auckland Rugby Union, presided over by Mr. 11. Frost, n special committee was appointed to bring down a report In connection with a seven-a-side tourney, which it has been decided to hold on April 23, a week preceding the opening of the senior competition. Messrs. H. Frost and A. St. C. Belcher were appointed the union's representatives at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union on April 14. The Thames sub-union was granted affiliation. The Kaipara sub-union also requested affiliation. It was decided to reply that the Auckland Union was willing to renew affiliation, but as yet no correspondence had been received from the Kaipara Union. The Canterbury, Wellington and Otago Unions wrote that they were willing to advance £50 of the proceeds of the matches with the Auckland touring team this season, such grant to be repaid on the return visit of the unions' teams. The offer was accepted with thanks and appreciation.

NORTH SHORE CLUB,

Judging l>y the enthusiasm already centred in the North Shore Football Club this season, its status in the Auckland district is likely to be improved. Already some of the most prominent players have signified their intention of linking up, besides some players of recognised worth from other parts. The North Shore Club is In an exceptionally sound position in many respects, for not only does it possess a lirst-class playing area, but it also has a large training shed, while its grounds are electrically lighted for night training.

CLUB PRACTICES,

The following allocation of grounds for practice has been made for to-morrow:— College Rifles, No. 1, 2.30 to 4.30; Marist Old Boys, No. 3, 1.30 to 3.30 p.m. ; 'Var??t& No - 2 < 2to 4 P- ni - : Marathon, 2 to ...30 p.m. ; Grafton. No. 3, from 3 p.m. ; Grammar School Old Boys, Mount Albert unci Mount Eden school grounds as arranged by the club.

ROTORUA UNION.

MR. A. DELUEN A LIFE MEMBER. At the annual meeting of the Rotorna Rugby Union Mr. A. Deluen was made a life member. Officers elected :—Patron, Mr. W. Galbraith: viee-patrons, Messrs. D W Steele, A. Walden, A. Kinnimont, Colonel Eraser; president. Mr. T. H. Robertson; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. H. Dansev. A Deluen: hon. medical officers. Doctors'S H Hay, W. S. Wallis. H. Bertram, R. Dorset I hon. auditor. Mr. W. Webber; secretary and treasurer. Mr. W. Henderson; selectors, senior, Mr. T. Anderson; junior, Air. R. R. Mason; delegate to referees' appointment board, Mr. A. G. Cottrell; mangement committee, Messrs. G. Dansey, L. Clarke, W. G Harwood, H. Rogers, A. G. Cottrell, X Windier, B. Price.

WAIPA ANNUAL MEETING.

The animal meeting of the Waipa Rugby Union took place on Wednesday evening. Mr. It. W. Mairs presiding. The election of oflieers rseulted : Patrons. Messrs. C. O. Down ps and T>. G. Armstrong; president. Mr. G. TV. Mnirs; vice-presidents. Messrs. F. Quin. A. .T. Shepherd. J. T. North, .T. F/. Lowe, TV. G. Park, .T. G. R. GifTord. .T. 1,. Mucky; secretary. Mr. 11. T. Daseldon; treasurer, Mr. A. A. Reese ; auditor. Mr. G. O. .Tourdain: lion, surgeons. Drs. Blundell, Hiskcns and Roberton: custodian. Mr. Mnirs: dolomite to the Waikato Union. Mr. 11. T. ITaselden: delegates to W.R.TT. annual meeting, Messrs. Reese and Tlaselden; management committee. Messrs. A. O. Finch (Rovers), G. Revnolds (Te Awamutn), R. Smith fTe Mawhai). G. TV. Mairs (TVaikcria). TV. Whitton (Ngutnnui), A. F. Brewer (High School). D. ("*. Clarkson (primary schools), G. Jeffs (Referees' Association).

It was decided to commence the cham pionships on April 23.