NO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS."

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15289, 27 May 1915, Page 8

NO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS."

Sir.—AVe read daily reports of our men being killed in the Dardanelles; yet in spite of this and in aspite of our Defence Minister calling for recruits still our football matches proceed every Saturday, where there aro engaged at least 120 young men in senior football, all probably eligible for the front. Then we have the same number, if not more, in junior football, likewise in third and fourth-grade matches, a good percentage of whom are eligible. My idea in writing this letter i.s to suggest to the Canterbury Rugby Union that they should cancel all fixtures for this season, or, in other words, to declare the season closed for football. I think as Christchurch has led other towns in Ne.v Zealand in ail patriotic matters, it would be giving the other Rugby Unions a lead in the direction above. I havo no other object in writing this letter than from a patriotic reason, as my old club (Linwood) is leading in the competition, yet I would mr_:h prefer that they would be at the bottom of the list than win the competition whilst the war is on. I am sure it would redound much more to their credit if

they had a number of their members at the front, and had, on account of their membor-s' absence, to be compelled to finish last in the competition.

1 quite realise that there are a number of our best Christchurch footballers at the front distinguishing themselves, still there are yet a great

number behind who should be there assisting them. I trust the management of the Canterbury Rugby Union will see that they will be doing the right thing in cancelling all future matches and declaring the season closed.—Yours, etc.. F. O'BRIEN. May 26th.