THE JUNIOR QUESTION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9162, 20 July 1895, Page 4

THE JUNIOR QUESTION.

[Br Tbuk Blub.] The eubcoinmittee spent a deal of time I know over the abore burning question, which they went into thoroughly. Whether their laboure will be crowned with success, of course, will be settled at the next general meeting of the Union. For my own part, I think the scheme is a good one, for there is nob the slightest doubb that the recommendations, if canied out, will get to the bed-rock of the junior monopoly. It is acknowledged by the juniors themselves that the many small clubs are simply killing senior football, bub while they quite see the mistake of these minor clubs, they do not want to have them broken up. This, of course, is human nature, but still X hope the members will consider the question from a general football point of view, and so study the gams instead of their clubs so much. A footballer's Ideal should be to represent his prorince, and bow he is to do so if he remains in a junior club during all his playing career, I do not know. Take, for instance, some playera who a season or so ago were •hiiiing lights in senior teams, but now, with the inducement offered in these junior contests, prefer rather to shine amongst them than play with fair success in a senior team. It is such drawbacks to the general good as this that the committee are trying to eradicate, and I feel sure the suggestions they -offer are in tha right direction. I do not quite like No. 1 clause. It is to my mind somewhat too binding; it would be far better in my opinion to give the Union power to reject or otherwise. There is no knowing what will crop up. No. 2isto be commended. It Iβ a regulation that has been wanted for years. This will stop a lot of the " ringing in " which is taking place in the Cap finals at the present time. Clause No. 3 strikes at the great point at issue. It practically says to the Albion, Pirates, Southern and T.M.C. A. Clubs: " You can stop in the Union but cannot play in the competitions." I think the committee should endeavour to let the V.M.C.A. Clnb remain on condition that theyonly play men who are connected with their Association for I think they have ac much claim to this as the two schools who are left alont. The idea of the committee, I should say, in regard to the St. Albans and Papanui Clubs, is that they think that it is a district that in time is likely to famish a senior team, which, to my mind, is very probable. Richmond has a large district to work on, and should have plenty of material to help them in a Fiat contest. The point now ie, what will be done with the junior teams where no provision is made? Well, the only thing seems for them to disband and j#in senior club*, when, besides having the same advantage of still playing for the Flag and Cup, will have the opportunity of appearing in senior raaks and being taught th« best football. Clause 4, the last, is only in a reasonable direction. I trust the juniors will view the effort on the part of the Union to raise football in a proper light. While dealing with Junior* I may say I was glad to notice that ike Union took such prompt action with the men reported by tbe referee in the Southern r. Bichraond match for misconduct; on the field. This should have the effect of putting the Juniors on their guard, for the sentence of disqualification till the end of the season of the two Richmond men is not at all pleasant for them*