"KICK-INTO-TOUCH"

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 110, 12 May 1933, Page 4

"KICK-INTO-TOUCH"

AMENDED RUGBY RULE

DELEGATES* OPINIONS

The amended kick-into-touch rule, concerning the readoption of which Australia recently made unsuccessful application to the Rugby Football Union (England), still ' has many supporters in New Zealand, but this support, as represented in the voting1 stieugth of delegates at the annual meeting of the New Zealand llugby Union, is insufficient to lead to any move here in.-the. direction of having the. amended ' lule reiutioduted. As reported iv "Xhe I'ost" yesterday, Mr. N. McKenzie moved on behalt of the Hawke's J3ay Union: "That it is desirable that the amended kiuk-into-touch rule should be reverted to, and that any necessary steps should be taken with this object in view, provided the controlling body or bodies of Rugby football in Australia take similar steps." A briet suivey of Auckland's position and the original adoption there of the amended rule was given by Mr. H. Frost, who stated that the rule had helped considerably to combat to a very great extent any inroads on the Rugby Union game. When the dispensation had been removed Auckland had honorably carried out' the Home authorities' instructions arid the International Board's rules. ' However, it was going to make a very big difference to unions like Auckland if they could revert to the kick-into-touch rule. There was no; bogey abmitit; it was a solemn fact. The reversion to the old rule, it seemed, had had a yery remarkable effect upon the gates in Auckland. At the same time there had been some very good games, "but," he added, "we cannot get the public." Auckland was having, and would continue to have, a hard fight, and, whatever the position, . Auckland would continue to do its. best. Mr. Frost suggested that the amended ■ rule : might be played in Auckland, with a reversion to international laws for interprovincial matches. To this, he thought, there should bo no exception, so long as they were playme the game for the &ake of the game. Suppoit tor the proposal '\vas_ given by Mr. K. McKenzie (Wairaiapa), who regarded the opposition in a serious light find who urged the necessity for keeping the game as attractive as possible. Mr. E. A. Little (East Coast) said .that the question was not whether the amended kick-into-touch rule was best for the pame in New Zealand, but whether it was desired to make a break with the Rugby Union (England). .A lot had been heard that morning of the help England was prepared to give New Zealand, and the president had said'that it was a critical time for drastic alterations to be put into force. New South' Wales had applied- for the amendment and had been turned down. In view of the attitude of the English Union he .could not imagine a responsible meeting of delegates deciding on the action proposed. Mr. G. W. Sellars (Wairarapa),said his union was in favour of the remit providing it did not mean a break with the English body. In reply to the president, Mr. J. W. Norrie (Hawke's Bay) said that his union intended to take only constitutional steps. It was desired to get an indication from the delegates as to whether they were in favour of the amended kick-into-touch "I think the most regrettable thing we can say is that llugby has become so poor that the public are leavinpt it," said Mr. J. McLeod (Taranaki*. "That is not so The fact that 'gates' are falling off is entirely due to the economic position. Major. T. J." King (Wellington) .considered it was a pity that the issue, had been raised nt the present stage after the efforts that had teen made to reach a friendly understanding with" the English Rugby Union. He.thought New, Zealand should continue under the present system until it was found necessary'to take further steps. It was not fair to judge the effect of the old rules on one season's play. Auckland's, difficulties were largely; clue to the position of' the principal^ ground. '. . t Tl»e Otago Uniota -*as definitely again*!} the' of tilt; Imejidcrt kick-into-touch rule, soul Mr. H< Harris..Speaking in reply, Mr. 'N. McKenrie said that Major King's views weie m the direction of shutting the gate after the hnrse had escaped. He considered they should look to the future. If New Soi'th Wales broke from the Rugby Union (England). New Zealand would have as the reward of remaining affiliated a tour to England once every twelve years. He suggested that if a referendum of players were taken members would be surprised at the result. The motion was lost by 2o votes to 44.