ORDERED OFF

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 260, 2 November 1944, Page 9

ORDERED OFF

FOR FOURTH TIME

LEAGUE PLAYER WARNED The case of R. Shadbolt, of the Jit. Albert League team, who was ordered off by the referee, Mr. J. Donovan, in a match with Ponsonby on October 7. was discussed at a meeting of the board of control of the Auckland Rugby League last evening. Shadbolt was present, but the referee, who had also been advised of the meeting, was not in attendance. The chairman, Mr. J. W. Watson, said that the matter had been deferred, as Shadbolt was away on holidays. The latter had written to the League expressing regret at the incident. The chairman added that the referee, in a report, stated that Shadbolt was ordered off for persistent fighting after being cautioned three times, including a final serious talking to. ~..., Shadbolt said that in Ins opinion the report of the referee was too severe. He had retaliated after a player struck him, but there had been no fighting. In reply to a question, Shadbolt said that he had been ordered off four times. and had been before the board on one occasion. „«...» «i,„ The chairman pointed out that the referee had not attended to refute the statement by Shadbolt, and as the referee had not made any further report, Mr. Watson considered they would not be justified in making a severe punishment. The board decided not to take any further action and that Shadbolt should be severely warned. An amendment that the player should be suspended for three playing Saturdays was defeated. Park Facilities The chairman reported that he had attended a meeting called by the Auckland Cricket Association to. discuss parK facilities and to explore the possibility of approaching the parks committee of ?he Auckland City Council with a view of ascertaining if it would be possible to h|ve the control of city parks put.under two distinct heads, one controlling the horticultural branch,andone a.charge of recreational facilities. It was felt that the sporting grounds were not being adeauately prepared and kept in order for the"sporting bodies. The chairman said that the matter would be discussed at a meeting of the Council of Sport. A donation of £25 was made to the Patriotic Funds, and a donation of £40 to St. John Ambulance.