LETTER BOX

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28980, 22 August 1959, Page 5

LETTER BOX

N.Z. Rugby

“Mr Dowie has raised a number of social and moral questions that, no doubt, worry a good many thinking New Zealanders. However, I doubt if many other New Zealanders have arrived at the same conclusion. Mr Dowie mentions, in a twisted fashion, two of the national characteristics of the average New Zealander, that go to make them one of the most respected countries overseas. If my memory serves me correctly, the Belgians capitulated in the Second World War with grievous results to the Allied cause—a cause that most right-think-ing people thought worth fighting for. “Surely a passion for equali ity is not to be pitied and in any game, sport or action some luck, good or bad, seems to be inevitable. Mainbrace, Redcraze and Tulloch can hardly be classed as ‘lucky’ champions, nor could any full-back who perpetually awaits the ‘lucky’ bounce be deemed a champion. England has the reputation of always winning the last battle—but surely it is not wrong to go into every contest with the will to win.

“In any athletic sport played on the highest level, e.g., football (Rugby, League or soccer), cricket, boxing and tennis, the will to win or succeed must be uppermost in a person’s mind; not at all costs, no—it is a game, yes, but still a contest in which the opposition has to be defeated.

"We as a country have always advocated the replacement rule. Surely that is a sporting gesture rather than a deep-seated plot to bring fresh men into the fray as Mr Dowie no doubt thinks. Let us as New Zealanders be proud of our Kiwi and Silver Fern heritage as well as other social and moral virtues.”—JOHN W. SAXBY.

“As gentle inoffensive games, I would recommend marbles or table tennis to J. A. Dowie, but would warn him that there have been riots over the former game. His letter on ‘Rugby Football’ appears to be full of venom and hatred for New Zealanders. Our men did not go into battle in two wars on account of an inferiority complex. Records show they acquitted themselves well. They do not boast when they win nor moan when they lose. Rugby is played to set rules and infringements are penalised. Good place kicking bea* fast running in the first test. The Lions have a great record of wins over good teams and put up cricket scores at times, and we love them. As for the luck of the game, there are only two certainties—death and the taxcollector. Cheers for the Lions and disgust at a scurrilous letter.”—CHAS. E. ALLEN. Answer To Correspondent

Wager (Lyttelton).—F. R. Allen was born at Oamaru on February 9, 1920.

Rugby Rules

“Apropos your news item, ‘National Madness.’ dealing with the comments of the manager of the British Isles team, I have just come across a comment in an old magazine, ‘The Boys’ Monthly Magazine,’ Vol. 2, November, 1886, published in London by S. O Beaton:

“ ‘At Rugby School the game of football is played with great spirit, but it is so encumbered with rules and regulations, providing for almost every possible chance, that to learn it according to the Rugby system requires almost a seven years’ apprenticeship’.”—POßANGl.. All Black Captain

“As a keen follower of Rugby, I was interested to read your views on the All Black captain, whom I rank as a real find as far as captaincy and a first-class player goes. What can any man do if he has two passengers in his team, and several players who are not fit and also who lack the ability of international footballers? No, I don’t think Whineray is to blame for the lack of fire with the forwards. After all what man can mould a team with the material in the All Blacks (first test team) overnight?

“Full praise to Whineray for being a first-class sportsman on and off the field and may he continue to lead the All Blacks for many seasons.”— I. M O’NEILL.