FOOTBALL DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 195, 18 August 1934, Page 11

FOOTBALL DISPUTE.

IN LEAGUE CAMP. DIVISION OVER TRANSFERS. Apprehension has been voiced among some senior clubs of the Auckland Rugby League at the confirming this_ week of the transfers of three Newton players —Dempsey, Allen and Merrick— to the new Mt. Albert senior team, following the earlier sanction in committee by the Board of Control given to the transfer of Hardgrave. The transfers had been approved by the original club executive which the board held to be in order, and which had accepted an explanation given by Hardgrave. _ The .board delayed the confirmation of the transfers in the hope that a reconciliation would have .been effected between the club's new executive and the players concerned- As the latter was adamant and the transfers were considered to be in order, the board felt that it iiad no alternative but to confirm the applications.

On July 21, the returned Newton international, R. Hardgrave, refused to turn out to play with his club against City Rovers because he claimed to have agreed only to play as left wing threequarter, whereas the selector wanted him to play at centre. He contended that, if he did not prove successful in the centre it might prejudice him in the event of his possible return to England. Mr. McGregor maintained that, as yole selector, ho had a right to place a player in any position he deemed bestHe* stood for a principle, and was not aware of any agreement giving Hardgrave the right to dictate. The majority of the team supported the selector and kept engagements. A occurred among Newton Club officials 011 the question, and several resigned. This week, at a special meeting presided over by the club patron and foundation member, Mr. M. Hooper, a new executive was elected, and it notified to the Control Board its intention of appealing to the New Zealand Council if transfers of Newton players, granted by the old club executive, were confirmed, as it held- that the ex-committee, among other reasons, acted unconstitutionally. An informal discussion of officials of three clubs was held last evening at Carlaw Park, when it was claimed "that the facilitating of transfers of players who required disciplining tended to weaken the control of clubs, acting with selectors. However, it was decided that constitutional means would be taken to obtain any redress.

The Newton Club's new executive consists of Messrs. G. Steven, R. Mason, J. Rawnsley, N. Preston, T. Hall, and E. Taylor, witli Messrs. C. Stanley (secretary pro tern), P. Henry (honorary treasurer), and A. Black (club captain). The Board of Control has ruled that although the club passed a motion of no-confidence in the oid committee, several members had not sent in official resignations and were still members. Associated in the former committee were Messrs. W. Badley (chairman), H. Wood (secretary), E. R. Baddiley (club, captain), G. '• Sherry, and W. Jackson. Mr. Baddiley did not seek re-election as club captain, but is still active, for the club in an advisory capacity.