Unions Want Rugby v. Draw In “The Press”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31727, 10 July 1968, Page 14

Unions Want Rugby v . Draw In “The Press”

The. Canterbury Rugby Union’s decision < s to advertise Its competition draw in only one § Christchurch newspaper this season has ’ brought problems to the rural areas, according to the Canterbury sub-unions’ executive.

- In a letter to the manage: ment committee of the Canterbury union last evening, the country body said considerable dissatisfaction had been expressed at its last meeting on the draw - not being advertised in “The Press," as it was the newspaper With the greatest circulation in the rural areas. The letter said country Rugby followers were keen to see the draw, either to help .them decide whether or not to travel to Christchurch for a senior match or to learn of teams With, byes. who could play friendly matches against country sides. Mr D. K. Torrance said the senior matches were advertised in Saturday’s edition of “The Press” and it would be a simple matter for the 'competitions committee to advise the sub-unions of grades in which byes occurred. i The sub-unions’ delegate (Mr M. R. Bamett) said the reason f Or the union’s action Was appreciated, but the subunions felt that, the union should know there had been a break in a contact that had come to be accepted in the country..

Mr D. B. Doake said it was obvious that the country - districts looked on the draw as a news item, but the Christchurch newspapers chose not to do so. “It Is regrettable that the powers that be have decided on this course of action,” said the president (Mr C. H. McPhail). “A good deal of what.;*' they put in their papers isgood for us—but it is also- > good for them. “This seems to be a short-. , sighted policy on the part of the papers. It appears that we are the only major union which does not have its drate published free.” Unless the newspapers could do something for the union, the committee would be bound to adhere to its decision, said Mr R. W. Thomas. “Let us write to the subunions telling them we regret,, it as much as they do, and' say we are taking the matted up again with the newspaper” authorities," he said. The committee adopted this course of action. Footnote: All sports draws’* are charged for at advertisement rates. —Editor.