RUGBY REFEREES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 54, 12 September 1928, Page 21

RUGBY REFEREES

SERVICES TO GAME The part played by the referee in Rugby football was under review at the annual social function of the Wellington Rugby Referees' Association last week representatives of other bodies commending the local referees for the capable manner in which they were carrying out their duties. Representatives of the referees in turn paid tribute to those responsible for the control of the game. Mr. E. S. Hylton, president of the association, presided over a large attendance. In proposing the toast of "The Wellington Referees' Association," Mr. D. M'Kenzie mentioned that the association now had 110 members, and, apart from the evidence of their interest m the game as shown by the way in which they gave up their Saturday afternoons to control matches, it was very pleasing to see so many referees attending the weekly meetings to make themselves more conversant with the rules of the game. Mr. M'Kenzie also paid tribute to the work of the classification committee, and referred to other activities. Rugby, heVs'aid, was the finest game in the world ahd.-.it was worthy ot i*c£Gr6ciiiK- "■■'*' In. the course of his.reply, Mr. Hylton stated that the appointment board's work had been accomplished with a great deal of satisfaction and a minimum of friction. He also mentioned that tliis was his last year! in mi official capacity With the association. After twenty-seven years' service, he would make way for some of the younger men. ,'■,',,', The work of the New Zealand Rugby Union was eulogised, by Mr. W. J. Carson, and, in reply, Mr. A. C. Kitto said that the Management Committee of the N.Z.R.U. was out to do its best for Rugby, and had always done its best to further the interests of referees. He was also retiring from active service as a referee, but would always be available to help the members of the association, particularly the younger referees,. Tho manner in which 'the Wellington Rugby Union was carrying out its great amount of work was. praised by Mr. T. A. Fletcher. In, the course of his reply Mtv J. rrendeville said that the loyalty of referees was indicated iri the fact that they controlled about eighty games every Saturday,'and there was rarely a case in which a referee missed bis. game. The Union endeavoured to treat the referees fairly and meet them in every way. Various other toasts .were honoured, and a programme of items added to the evening's enjoyment. ■ Amongst those present at the function was Mr. F. E. Sutherland, the Auckland referee who controlled the first Test between New South Wales and New Zealand at Wellington last week. .