THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 9123, 2 May 1893, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Snt,—Although I have for some years not been actively connected with football affairs, 1 am still permitted to take some interest in the game and in the Otago Union, of which I wasmie of the promoters. I have carefully read all that has appeared in the local newspapers, and especially in your columns, with regard to the formation of the so-called New Zealand Union and the attitude of the Otago Union towards the same, and I would like to say briefly, as an old player,' that I am heartily in accord with the general sentiments of the local Executive.

With regard to the proposed coercion resolution, the cloven hoof is too distinctly perceptible. Froma New Zealand Unionpoint of view, there might he some reason in a provision (which would indeed naturally follow the wording of the first part) that affiliated unions must obtain permission before playing non-afliliatcd unions ; but the present wording is, for obvious reasons, pveii more objectionable—and, I may say, ;,n,ie ortei.ane- than \\ ould be a distinct byJaw that affiliated uitiuiib may never play iion.affiliated.' • What, again, is the suggestion to give the South Canterbury Union a special dispensation but an insidious attempt to secure the allegiance of that body, ami perhaps by a side-wind that of the Canterbury Union? But the cloven hoof is most clearly and most objectionably apparent in the constant efforts of Mr Hoben and his newspaper friends to make a personal matter of it with our Mr Chapman. They know perfectly well that it is not a personal affair, and the 'attempt to make it appear st> ia a contemptible one. Mr Chapman is well able to take care of himself, but I should like add that if there were any doubt on £he jwWect his work for the OtagQ Union

would entitle his views to special weight, lit conclusion, I am much mistaken in the temper of our Canterbury ami Southland friends if they will allow themselves to be either wheedled or coerced into acquiescence by this latest move. If the Southern unions remain firm there will still be plenty of scope to them for foreign matehea, and perhaps the sport will be none the worse for being temporarily confined within somewhat narrower bounds. The New Zealand Union may still retain its name, but it will not be a representative body of the colony. That is the galling fact which is now impelling its leaders to destruction.—l am, etc., Hrsry Rose. <J Dunedin, May 1.