INTER-SCHOOL RUGBY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17815, 14 July 1923, Page 16

INTER-SCHOOL RUGBY.

WANGANUI COLLEGE'S ATTITUDE. The action of Wanganui College in announcing its decision not to play matches in future at which gate money was taken was the subject of criticism at this week's meeting of the Management Committee fo the Manawatu Eugby Union. The chairman (Mr Ongley), commenting on how • this decision would affect the Wanganui College v. Palmerston North High School match, said that the reason for Wanganui College's decision was not easy to understand. Probably the highest type of amateur athlete in the world was the English cricketer, who did not find it detrimental to the sport or degrading ;to play for a "gate." Neither did i the English Universities, and he could i see no reason for the college's action except that playing before a large number of people who had paid gate money might tend to make the boy 3 [ think they_ were gladiators. In any ! case, there would be a large crowd .and even a still greater one were there no charge for admission. The Palmer- ; ston North High School and Wanga"nui College in their own towns wero playing for gate money, which was needed and was essential to carrying on the sport, securing adequate playing areas and promoting competition. Perhaps to do without a gato would not hurt the college so much, but at Palmerston NoTth, where most of the : High School pupils were children of parents of moderate means, the funds derived from taking a gate wero urgently needed, especially when fcravel- ; ling was involved during the season. For Wanganui College to adopt the rule to eliminate payment for admission to its matches would mean a class distinction between secondary schools of a most regrettable character." Continuing, Mr Ongley said: "It is a i'ad without any justification, which should be nipped in the bud." Ho added that he would like to discuss tho matter with tho local schools, parents, and others before it camo up at next meeting, but all he could do at present was to give notice of motion that the resolution giving permission to have the Wanganui v. Palmerston North High School match played without a gate being taken be rescinded. He moved accordingly. In the course of the discussion, it was poipted out that the Union could not encourage even primary school football without funds. It did not want the gate money itself—that could be given to the schools, or, in the case under review, to charity. It was explained by Mr Hannay that the committee had been anxious to secure the match, and had thus agreed to Wanganui's terms, but it need not be regarded as a precedent. Mr Ongley: "Yes, we have been longing for the match." He added that there might be some difficulty about securing tho usual grounds for a free match; the High School grounds could not accommodate the crowd which would be present. The matter was discussed at some length, Wanganui College's attitude being adversely commented upon. Finally, it was decided to write to tho Wanganui Eugby Union pointing out tho stipulation made by Wanganui College that no gate money should be charged for the match, and that the Manawatu Eugby Union had to pay ground fees for all matches, and suggesting that a small admission fee should be charged and divided between the local high and primary schools sports funds. The Wanganui Union is also to be asked to interview the Wanganui College authorities to see whether their sanction to this course eonld not be obtained for this year.