No Dog Trials Before Springbok Rugby Game

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27985, 4 June 1956, Page 10

No Dog Trials Before Springbok Rugby Game

(New Zealand. Press Association)

INVERCARGILL. June 3.

No dog trials will be held on Rugby Park before the match between Southland and the Springboks on July 28. The management committee of the Southland Rugby Union reversed its previous decision to permit the trials after considering a notice of motion from Mr I. B. McCurdy, a member of the New Zealand Rugby Council, at a special meeting on Saturday afternoon. The issue was decided by secret ballot. Mr McCurdy said he did not think sufficient thought had been given to the decision. “I feel the decision made was wrong in principle.” he said. “I think we have passed over our responsibilities to the game of Rugby. We have a duty to give some of the privileges on that day to our young Rugby

players. It is a matter of great importance to the development of the game and the prestige of this union.” Mr J. A. Hamilton (Eluff) said the place for dog trials was at the show ground.

Mr R. G. Webb said he supported the trials because the state of the ground might mean that there would be no curtain-raisers at all. In that case the public would be there from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. with nothing to look at but the empty paddock. Giving some entertainment to fill the gap had influenced him in his decision. ‘‘lt was not a case of curtain-raisers versus dog trials, but of dog trials or no curtain-raisers.” said Mr Webb. “If the curtain raisers will replace the dog trials I will support the notice of motion.”

Mr D. F. Leckie said that there was no thought of depriving Rugby footballers of their privileges. He thought every member had voted honestly and sincerely with the good of Rugby in mind. It seemed the time was not right for the introduction of innovations to please the patrons. There was no question that if the union could put on curtain-raisers, they were the thing. Mr Hamilton said he did not think any other union would be worrying about entertainment for the patrons. Mr D. K. Torrance said he thought most people did not want to see the sheep on Rugby Park. Mr Webb: Our sin was that we tried tc consider the public. If the union will put on curtain-raisers rain, hail or snow, I will vote for them.”