LEAGUE AND UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 18698, 29 July 1924, Page 7

LEAGUE AND UNION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —There has been a good deal of controversy on the abovo subject, and tho professional aspect of the League game has frequently been alluded to. I am not a supporter of the League game, but wo have some very bad practices very near bordering on professionalism in tho Union code. In Dunedin at the present time quite a number of players have employment found for them in order that they may play football for certain clubs. In fact, a Rugby Union committeeman told tlio writer that he canvastsod employment for men whom ho wished to play for a club he was interested in, and was successful in his efforts. Of course his action was not professionalism. Again, we have men connected with tho game who are continually haranguing about what work they do voluntarily for the cause of Rugby, and at the same time these generous Rugby officials arc connected both directly and indirectly with business concerns which must necessarily be patronised by players and followers of the Union game. "We have had a lot of abuse hurled at the Rugby League, hut tho writer is inclined to ask the Rugby Union officials relative to veiled professionalism: “Who amongst you can cast the first stone ?” —I am, etc., Orono. July 25.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In view of tho controversy raging at the present moment with reference to tlie proposed visit of an English League team to this city, the following extract from a late edition of tho Sydney ‘Bulletin’ will be of interest to most readers: —“There is something about professional Rugby that makes for hooliganism both on the field and off. After the first match between England and Australia the victorious Woodbines were hooted on returning to their dressing room, and blows were aimed at the referee. This, in tho members’ stand at tho Svdncv Cricket Ground, a place where one doesn’t expect to encounter that squealing nuisance—the sport who has lost Iris Min?’ There was an oven uglier demonstration after the third match at Brisbane, and it isn’t pleasant to reflect on what would have happened to Parkin, tho English captain, if he hadn’t been protected by the police. These League tours do no good. It seems impossible for an international match to be played without sickening brag in tho newspapers about what one team intends doing to th© other, and unmanly whining from the beaten side after tho ©vent. And tho game itself is mostly a dreary exhibition of tripping, elbowing, wrestling, punching, a fid kicking tho man. instead of the ball; a monotonous display of manhandling by ill-tempered masses of meat in an atmosphere made hideous by the hooting hoodlum behind the pickets. It was a bad day for sport in Xcw South Wales when the League code was introduced. However, there are obvious signs that the unedifying business, with its pony-racing traditions and standards, losing its hold on the Sydney public.”I am, etc., ** Gluast Sport. July 29.