RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21577, 13 September 1935, Page 17

RUGBY FOOTBALL

RANFURLY SHIELD DISPUTE

DR. SEED REPLIES TO MR MILLARD

CORRESPONDENCE PRODUCED

The statement made by the chairman of the Wellington Rugby Union, Mr J. N. Millard, that the Wellington challenge for the Ranfurly Shield had been "turned down flat" was contradicted by the chairman of the Canter* bury Rugby Union, Dr. W. S. in the course of a statement issued yesterday. Dr. Seed replied to the points raised by Mr Millard, basing tha* reply on correspondence which had passed between the two unions, to ( which Mr Millard had referred In making his allegations,

In the statement by Mr Millard published in "The Press" yesterday, he suggested that Dr. Seed should look up the letter from Canterbury to Weilington. This Dr, Seed did and handei" the following letter, written on May 26, 1933, to "The Press":—

"My committee has considered the matter of challenges received for the Ranfurly Shield th!s seasonand regrets that it has been necessary to decline your union's challenge, which was tentatively arranged at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union to be played on Wednesday, September 6. "Our decision was influenced by the fact tha,t for cur team to play three challenge matches within eight days should be avoided if at all possible In addition, when dates were being arranged in Wellington preference was given to Southland and Qtago as teams making ordinary tours. After having arranged dates for these unions the remaining Saturdays were available for your union, but, owing to certain regular fixtures between your union and oth«r unions, these dates were not suitable to your delegate, in view of the fact that your union preferred to carry out its obligations rather than have a challenge match against us.

"A further consideration which has been pointed out to us by the Taranaki Union is that, if your union's challenge . was played as arranged, Taranaki, which plays us on September 16 in the course of an ordinary tour, would possbly not have an opportunity of plr.ying for the shield this season, having played your team prior to their match against us. "We sincerely regret the necessity of our action in declining your union's challenge and we are sure that in view of the position outlined your union will appreciate our position." Saturdays Were Offered "I looked up the correspondence concerning the 1933 challenge," said Dr, Seed, relerring still to Mr Millard's comment, "On April l"9 r 1933, a letter was received from Wellington suggesting August 2, a Wednesday, as the date for a special challenge match. On April 27 a letter was sent to the Wellington Union accepting the challenge, but the date was to be arranged later at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union; the Wednesday date was not accepted then.

"Mr Millard suggests that I have not got hold of the correct facts, but both cur delegates to the New Zealand Union (Messrs D, I. Macdonald and E. V, Phillips), who had the arranging of the dates at the meeting, are emphatic that at least three Saturdays were offered to Wellington, but they preferred their own fixtures on that date.

"At tho New Zealand Union meeting, Wednesday, September 0, was tentatively arranged, but that date had to be confirmed by the Canterbury Unicn, and the matter was considered here whsn the delegates returned from Wellington. Reference was to This Year "Mr Millard was wrong in referring to the fact that I suggogted Wellington's games should have been rearranged in 1933. The suggestion did not refer to that year, but this year. Wellington has a vacant date next Saturday, and on day Hawke's Bay is to play Poverty Bay. Our suggestion was that Wellington might play Hawke's Bay this coming Saturday, so as to be free for a shMd game on September 28, and that Hawke's Bay and Pcv—ty Bay shouxd play on September 28.

"Canterbury has never turned down any challenges. In 1933 seven chalelnge matches were played, and in the first in 1034 the shield was lost. While Canterbury, held the shield challenge gomes were played on every available Saturday up to the end of September." Dr. Seed, in conclusion, said that on June. 1, 1033. a letter was received frcm Wellington acknowledging the letter frcm Canterbury, and that was the end of tin correspondence that year on the matter of a shield game.

THE CANTERBURY SIDE

MATCH AGAINST SOUTH CANTERBURY

The following *wiU be the Canterbury team to meet South Canterbury in '.he Ranfuny Shield challenge match at Lancaster Park to-morrow:—

Full-back—l. Behnw (Sunnyside)

Three-quarters—R. Brown (Sydenham), C. H. McPhail (Old Boys), and N. Dunshea (Linwood). Five-eighths—K.. S. Mortlock (Old Boys), and J. Gaskin (Christchurch). Half-back—J, J. McAuliffe.

Forwards—Front row, O. Hattersley (Sydenham), R. Thompson (Llnwcod*, R. Innes (Malvern); middle row, H. Deavoll (Merivale), G, J. Howell (Sunnyside), W. Sweenoy (Albion), and G. W, Thompson (Ellesmere); back of scrum, J. G. Rankin (Old Boys).

Emergencies—Backs: S. G. Henry (Old Boys), L. Brown and J. Poison (Christchurch). Forwards: H. Milliken (Hurunui), N. Schuiter (Old Boys), and F. J. Wilson (University). Poison's leg is not yet right after the injury to it on Saturday.

DEPARTURE OF SOUTH CANTERBURY TEAM

CROWD AT TIMARU STATION

(apscm. to rue rosea.)

TIMARU, September 12,

There were scenes of enthusiasm at the Timaru Railway Station this afternoon, when the South .Canterbury Rugby team, the challenger for the Ranfurly Shield, left by the express for Christchuvch. The end of the platform was blocked by the crowd which ass"mbled it- wish the team good luck and cheers were given as the train steamed out of the stat'on.

"We are proud that the Canterbury repr'sentativ. s b.'orght the shield back to the South Island and hope that our team will bring it to South Canterbury," said the Mayor (Mr T. W. Salterthwaite). He knew that the team would worthily uphold the high traditions of the game as it was played in South Canterbury, and hoped that the better side would win and that that side wculd be South Canterbury. The manager of the team (Mr M. J. Anglandi replied, saying that the players could be trusted to do their best ' -'

SERVICE FOR MOTORISTS ATTENDING MATCH («F»cut. to thb riass.i TIMARU, September 12. For the benefit of South Cantirbury motorists who will drive to Christchurch to see the Ranfurly Shield match between South Canterbury and Canterbury, the patrol officer for the local Automobile Association will leave Timaru on Saturday at 9 a.m. so as to be avavilable to assist motorists who might meet with trouble on the road. He will leave Christchurch on his return at 6 p.m. Arrangements have been made by the local association fcr a special area in Moorhouss avenue on the west stde from Fitzgerald avenue to be available for the parking of cars from South Canterbury. TARANAKI NOMINATIONS JPOR ] NORTH ISLAND TEAM ! (PKEBS A3SOCUTIOB rBLSJOJIiU.) NEW PLYMOUTH, September 12. Taranaki nominations for the North Island Rugby team are:— Backs—A. Collins. L. Edwards, J. Gaibraith, J. Sullivan; forwards, J. Armstrong, G. Fowler, F. Gargan. G. Harrison. R. Clarke was not available.

TEAMS FOR TO-MORROW

OLD BOYS' CLUB

Seniors v, Methven (to meet at tlio club at 12,16),

Fourth Grado v. Ashburton, Lancaster ' Park, I.ls—Empson, Pain, Benjce, Wilton, Gill, Christmas, Lunoy, Morris, Howell, Johnson, Medea, Hflbbfl, (Jocks, Jumicson, Stowe, Barnes, Wlgitull. ALBION CLUB Fourth Crude v. Bromley, at Lanoaater Park Oval, 1.15 p.m.—B, Martin, G. Rett, P. Davis, E. McCaun, E, Woods, M. Oarson, I. Dromgoolo, C- Oandllsh, H. Molloy. B. Dando, W, Bergh, F. MeKerwie, A, Cooke. E. Dickson, J. Thipio, D. Stewart, \V, Hoxell, W. Gray, W. Mali. BROMLEY CLUB v. Albion, at Lancaster Pa'fc Oval, at I.lft (meet outside gutes at 1 p.m.)—Brixton (2), Robinson, Peters, Kcnnelt, Jennings, H<>]> ping (2), Collins, Melhuish, Fitzsimmons, Egan (2), Smith, Genet, CHlmoro, Purchas, and Drydcn. AN OAMARU CLUB'S JUBILEE Arrangements are being made for the celebration cf the jubilee of the Athletic Rugby Foctball Club, Oamaru, about Easter, 1923. The club was founded in 1886, and former mmb-:r? and supporters are asked to communicate with Mr V. E. Doran, 24 Humber street, Oamc-ru. KTJGBY LEAGUE

AUCKLAND TEAM ARRIVES FROM WEST COAST

CIVIC RECEPTION AND

WELCOME

The Auckland Rugby League team on its mission of goodwill in tho southern centres arrived in Chrutchurch yesterday from the West Coast. Auckland officials consider the team an outstanding combination and are confident that its tour will do much to improve the popularity of the league cede in the south. The team will meet Canterbury to-morrow at Monica Park, having already met and beaten both the Wellington and West Coast representative teams.

The visitors were given a civic reception at the City Council Chambeiw immediately after their arrival late yesterday afternoon. The DeputyMayor (Mr J. W. Beanland) welcomed them on behalf of the city. He congratulated them on their victories ir Wellington and on thv? West Coest, anc! wished them a pleasant holiday in Christchureh.

Mr R. A. Drury, on behalf of th? Canterbury Rugby League, and Mr L. F. N. Ward, president of the Canterbury Hockey Asscciation, also welcomed the team, Mr Grey Campbell, the manager, replied. • He explained that this was a goodwill tour. The team was here with one object—to play a game that the players and public alike would enjoy. Mr H. Avery, assistant manager, also replied. In the evening at the Royal Hotel, where the team Js staying, a welcome was given to th? players by Canterbury Rugby League and Canterbury Football Association officials, Mr W S, E. Moyle, chairman of the executive of the leagu?,' who presided, expressed the hope that the match tomorrow might be the forerunner of a regular series of inter-provlncinl fixtures. Players and officials here were looking forward to seeing the Auckland team in action, because it was undoubtedly an outstanding con> bination.

Mr Cyril Goodman, a vio-president of the Canterbury Rugby League, Mr R. A. Drury, a. vice-president of the New Zealand Rugby League, and J. Amos, captain of the Canterbury also spoke. Mr J, E. Jones, president of the Canterbury Football Association, and Mr R. B. Bunt, secretary, welcomed the visitors on behalf of the association cede. Mr Grey Campbell, in his reply, described the Auckland team as a flrstclass one. He considered that it would be hard to beat anywhere in New Zealand or Australia. Mr Avery and A. E. Cooke, captain of the Auckland team, also replied, THE AUCKLAND SIDE MATCH WITH CANTERBURY TO-MORROW The Auckland Rugby League team to meet Canterbury to-morrow afternoon was last night announced as follows: Full-back—A. E. Cooke (lOst 121b)

Three-quarters—L. Brown (list), E. Fletcher (list 31b), C. Dempsey (lOst 81b), C. Hall (12st 21b) (one to be omitted).

Five-eighths—B. Riley (list), A. Kay (list J2lb). E. Brimble (lOst 71b) (one to be omitted). Half-back—W. Hassan.(list 31b). Forwards—J. Laird (13st 51b), L. Hutt (13st-71b),H. Simpson (13st 31b), C. Satherley (13st 61b), H. Tetley (12st lib), and D. Keane (12st 131b).

DRAW FOR TO-MORROW

The following grade matches will be pkivcd to-morrow:— Junior Grade—Waimairi v. New Brighton, at Burwood Park, MO p.m (Mr T. Carroll); Ruru v. Hornby, Jsrrold street, at 2.30 p.m. (Mr B. Stapley). . Seventh Grade —Hornby v. Lin wood, Monica Park, at 1.30 p.m. (Mr B. Vine); Sydenham, a bye. Schoolboys—Waimairi v. Linwood, Monica Park, at 1 p.m. (Mr H. sett); St. Joseph's, a bye.

ASSOCIATION

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH

CANTERBURY V. OTAGO

A brilliant game of Association football is anticipated at English Park tomorrow, when Canterbury and Otago will meet in an interprovincial match for the Jones Cup. The teams represent the best talent of each province, and the visiting team includes two New Zealand representatives in H. Balk, a brilliant forward, and A. Stenhouse, a fine centre-half, Otago has several times defeated Canterbury in the last seven ye-ir.s, through its ability to score goals. Its forwards have been opportunists of a high standard. Canteroury has a young and fast forward line that will fully extend the strongest opposition. The game is sure to be strenuously and spiritedly contested, and Association enthusiasts can assured of a great exhibition of the code.

The Canterbury team is as follows: M. Mitchell (St. Albans), S. Cawtheray (Western), A. McMillan (Western), M. Gordon (Western), A. Sutherland (Thistle), A. Ellis (Western), F. Craggs (Technical), G. Ellis (Western), G. Smith (Western), J. Souter (Lyttelton), R. Pattinson (Western B).