LEAGUE DISPUTE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 177, 28 July 1944, Page 7

LEAGUE DISPUTE

CITY CLUB'S POSITION The following statement is published on behalf of the City Club:— The City Rovers' League Football Club held a meeting last evening to consider the statement made to the Press by the chairman of the Auckland Rugby League and published yesLerday. It was the unanimous opinion of the club that Mr. Watson's statement and the finding of the board re subsequent matches was not in line with the verbal agreement made between him and the sub-committee of the club set up to confer re a settlement of the dispute. After two conferences with Mr. Watson and the secretary, Mr. Ivan Culpan, finality was reached on Wednesday and both sides were satisfied with the finding. Mr. Watson gave his verbal assurance that he would make a statement to the Press after the. board's meeting on the Wednesday night to the effect that an amicable settlement had been arrived at suitable to both parties. At no time during negotiations was it suggested that City would have to forfeit any championship points in future matches, neither was the question discussed. The sub-committee feels that this penalty being meted out to the club suggests that its trust was misplaced. Club members are concerned at statements made by certain members of the Control Board and the Referees' Association that the matter was settled by E. Donovan apologising to the referee. This is contrary to fact and cannot be substantiated.