CURIOUS FOOTBALL ANOMALY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 95, 17 January 1924, Page 8

CURIOUS FOOTBALL ANOMALY

SUSPENSION OF MARIST CLUB “A Rugbv strike” is i.ow the Canterbury Rugby Union refers to the action last year of tho Marist Club, Christchurch, in withdrawing from the contest for the Payne Trophy, owing •to two of their players being objected to The discussion before the New Zealand Rugby Union last night discloscd that, although their rules provided for an appeal, the rules of the Canterbury Union did not provide for an appeal in such a case, beyond the administration of the local provincial union. . . The suspension of the Marist Club, which has been the subject of a long controversy, was reopened by a long statement from the Canterbury Rugby Union which demurred from tailing the advice of the N.Z.R.F.U., asking them to hold a, full inquiry into the circumstances, in view of the Marist Club’s appeal to tho parent body. In their statement the Canterbury Union concluded with the following comment: —

“My committee is of opinion that the Marist Club’s action was in effect nothing more nor less than a strike. My union had therefore no alternative than to take some drastic action in the interest of the game and of the Marist Club itself. We contend that tho matter is ono completely governed by our own rules, and is purely a matter for tho Canterbury. Union to decide. We cannot see that any good- would be done by holding further inquiry. Mr. Payne, who donated the trophy and is the Marist delegate, has supported our executive, throughout.” \ The chairman remarked that though the New Zealand rules orovided for an appeal the Canterbury Union rules did not.

Mr. E. A. Little., said that in the case o'? disputes arising out of a club contest the local union should consider the matter.

The chairman: That has been the principle followed by the New Zealand Union as long as I can remember. Mr. A. C. Kitto: This is purely a matter for local administration. Mr. E. Wylie: The merits are all against tho Canterbury Union. Mr. Wylie moved: “That tho Marist Club be advised that under rule 18 of the Canterbury Rugby Union no appeal lies except to a general meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union.” This was agreed to.