FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 310, 24 September 1908, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

IMPROVING THE RUCBY CAME. (Br . TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, September 23. The Auckland.Rugby Union this ovening discussed the proposals of tho Otago Rugby Union for improving the Rugby gamo.' Tho proposals evoked considerable discussion, particularly that relating to tho revision of tho laws of ,the game in regard to professionalism in the direction of paying. players for loss of time while on tour. The following resolutions were carried:— (a) Rulo 2, sub-section (c) the addition of the words "Except that an allowanco not exceeding 6syper day may bo granted to members of a representative team from any union when on tour outside its respective country or province, and to couiitry members of representative teams'taking part in representative matches' necessitating absence from usual occupation for a period exceeding three days." -'• ■- • (b) ."That pending tho decision of the English Rugby Union tho New Zealand Union ompowers all _ affiliated unions to givo effect to tho foregoing clauses." _ The only clause' in tho proposed alteration to tho laws, of the game with which the local_ union disagreed was .that suggesting the imposition of a penalty' in tho event of the ball . landing directly in touch from tho kick-off or kick-out. A resolution was passed ■ agreeing to the deletion of the rulo allowing a side.to order another drop-out in the event of the ball pitching in touch.- The Auckland Union are-sending a strong representation to the conference on October 8. ' . WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION. -A-meeting;of';the management committee of the .Wellington' Rugby .Union was held last evening; : Mr.' E. 0. Hales presiding. There were also present:—Messrs. Perry, Alpe, Hardhain, 1 O'Sullivan, Burns, Murray, and Sweeney'.-." It was " decided. that a deputation should wait upon the Petone Borough Council on Monday'next-in reference to securing a lease of tile Petone Recreation Ground. The Karori Club was granted permission to play'.the'-Mariakau Club at Manakau on Saturday. ! ' Permission was also granted to the Bakers'■ Club to play a Martinborough team on Labour Day, to the Harbour Board permanent 1 and casual staffs to play a match at the Athletic I 'Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Fred. Roberts will'captain the permanent staff,'and W. Roberts the casuals.

A donation' of £1 Is. was voted towards tho funds of tllo 'Hutt Brass Band, which played selections', at the recent match at the Lower Hutt.' ' ■ ' SATURDAY'S ASSOCIATION FIXTURES. At the weekly meeting of tho Wellington Football. Association,. held last night, the following.'fixtures for next Saturday wero drawn ; .up:—.. .".V: Senior Charity Cup—Rovers v. Ramblers, No. 6 ,Miramar (Mr. A; Newson)Diamonds v. Wanderers,' No. 7 Miramar (Mr. W. Auld). Senior. Second Division (Final). —Swifts v. Wanderers, No.- 3 Miramar (Mr. H. L. Godber). <• Junior League — Third Division. —Marist School A y. Diamonds, 3'plm., No: 5 Miramar_ (Mr. S. -.F.! M'Lean^; Brooklyn Av. Marist School B, 1 3 p.m., No.' 4 Mirariiar (Mr., T. Thompson)/.-'-Tho JuniorrV.League Second Division final will be" played,-oh Saturday week. -THE, AUSTRALIAN GAME. . The majority:''of'tho New. Zealand Australian football representatives returned from their recent • tour via Auckland on Sunday, but ithree of them, Messrs. Bonds, Patrick, and Furriess, . members of the Newtown Club, arrived by' tlie Warrimoo yesterday morning., They all speak iu high' terms of the reception they received in Australia, and although they were not brilliant, they ipiproved wonderfully under the poaching of Mr. R. Condon, and surprised everybody at their progress. At the Jubilee- Carnival they defeated New South Wales, Queensland, Seymour, Rutliorglen, Horsham,' and Ballarat, losing to Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Bendigo. Tlie', team were unfortunate in ono respect, for 'in.'.'their'ten..matchcs they: only had three fine days. V A ,valuable .mail' was Ward,(Wellington),'who turned out to be the most successful forward of the, team, being responsible for about half of tho goals scored. •