Resignation In Protest

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31187, 11 October 1966, Page 19

Resignation In Protest

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. The New Zealand Softball Association’s chief umpire, Mr C. K. Morgan, of Taringamotu, near Taumarunui, has resigned from his position in protest at the association’s decision to send only a field umpire to the world series in Mexico City. Mr Morgan’s resignation will become effective in January. In his letter of resignation to the secretary of the national association, Mr Morgan said that his main disappointment was in the national council not realising the importance of understanding rules, especially at the international level.

To gain proper rule understanding, Mr Morgan said he believed “a competent person under the name of New Zealand chief umpire should go with all teams overseas, not as a ‘perk,’ but as a right. “This person could discuss rules and interpretations with international umpires and so

develop international uniformity.” Mr Morgan wrote to the New Zealand council after he had gone to the women’s world series in Australia last year and had recommended that two umpires—a field and a chief umpire—should accompany all future teams overseas. In a later letter he urged that a chief umpire should go with the New Zealand team to Mexico. “If the members (of the council) feel that someone else should have an overseas trip then be assured my vote would be for a new chief umpire. “If this is not acceptable to members then 1 would request permission to accompany the team, even at my own expense.” It was too late now to do anything about sending two umpires to the world series, said Mr Morgan, but the council should decide on its policy for future overseas tours.

Jones In Open.— The 1966 New Zealand amateur golf champion, S. G. Jones (Hastings), is among the latest entries for the National Open at Paraparaumu next month. Others include B. F. Reilly (Miramar). E. A. Southerden (Napier), K. D. Foxton (Templeton), J. E. Meikle, A. B. Mitchell (Hutt), and G. R. Falloon (Masterton). —(P.A.)