PROFESSIONALISM IN RUGBY.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 289, 12 June 1907, Page 4

PROFESSIONALISM IN RUGBY.

A BOItOUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSION. "Has he killed any one:'" queriel Councillor Castle at the Petone Borough Council meeting on Monday night, when a letter was .received from the secretary of the Wellington Rugby Union, advising that A. Jl. Baskiville had been suspended by the Union, and asking the Council to write and warn Mr BaskiviUe from entering on the Petone Recreation Ground. "No," ansvered the Mayor, "but I believe he has grievously offended the Rugby Union. Councillor Coles: I don't think it has anything to do with us. Let them do their own dirty work. Councillor Nicholson: Can we d:> anything? It is a free ground. Councillor Lodder: The Union has no power to do anything like that on our grounds. Councillor Coles : What have wo to do with this matter? Is it anything to do with us if he has refused to sign a certain paper? The Mayor: If we liked to write to the Rugby Union authorising them to order the man off they could do so. Councillor Lodder: Is this matter all there is against the man? The Mayor : I understand he is the secretary of the New Zealand professional Rugby football team. Councillor' Coles: He has admitted it. The Mayor: If the Council is desirous of putting down professionalism in football, now is tho chance to show its hand. Councillor Caatle: Who is to say where professionalism begins? Councillor Southgate : What about putting down professionalism in tho Union itself? It is after money all the time. Councillor Lodder: Not individually. The Mayor: We gave the Trotting Club power to put any one off the ground ii tihey so desired during the meeting. Councillor Castle moved that similar authority be given the Rugby Union, and this was carried without dissent.