RUGBY FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 August 1929, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WEST COAST UNION The weekly meeting of the West Coast Rugby Union, held last evening? was attended by Messrs A. A. Adams (Chairman), J. Guy, I. Steel, T. Mclntosh, W. Pring, A. White, T. Scott, W. Williams, T. P. Ryan, W. Hannam, T. O’Donnell, F. H. Eggleton, and N. W.< Jones (secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr. J. McLeod. The New Zealand Rugby Union advised that the following suspensions had been made general:—B. Caldwell, to June 30, 1930, W. Clelland 12 months from August 1, 1929. With reference to the non-appear-ance of their junior team against Cobden, the Blaketown Club wrote stating that it had taken up the matter with the junior, players. The default had not been the fault of the Club, but of the individual players who did not turn' out on the field.

The Post and Telegraph Club" applied for the use of the representative jerseys for theii’ game against Law today. The Chairman pointed out that two representative teams had to take the field next Saturday, and the jerseys must be in good order and condition. On the motion of Mr. Guy, seconded by Mr. Steel, it was decided that the Union could not see its way to grant the request. Mr. Steel said that it would be as well to make a hard-and-fast rule against the lending of representative jerseys in future. GAME WITH GRANITY

The Rover Club, Granity, telegraphed stating that all arrangements had been made for the junior team to visit Greymouth next Saturday. The Chairman said that earlier in the season, at a meeting which he did not attend, the Union decided to give Granity a game on the day of the Buller match, but apparently the matter had been over-looked, and a game between Cobden and Ross juniors had been arranged. The secretary spoke to him about it, and the only thing he could suggest was that the secretary wire to Granity, pointing out that on account of the boxing championship and other attractions, the accommodation at Greymouth was practically all taken up this week-end. However, the Granity Club had replied stating that all arrangements had been made for the trip, and that accommodation did not matter, as they were prepared to arrive at Greymouth at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and leave at midnight. He had therefore instructed the secretary to advise Granity that a game would be arranged at 1.30 p.m. His idea was that a junior representative team, apart from Cobden players, might be selected to meet Granity. On the motion of Mr. Guy, seconded by Mr. O’Donnell, the Chairman’s action was endorsed. PLAYER CAUTIONED

Reporting on last Saturday’s senior match between Blaketown and Stars, the referee, Mr. Pring, stated that there was a good deal of appealing against his decisions by both sides, Stars being the greater offenders. He cautioned several players, and finally ordered off one of the Star team, Thompson. A try was awarded to Blaketown, but Thompson did not seem to think it was a try. He .was warned not to question the decisions, but persisted, and was ordered off. Thompson belonged to Christchurch, but was at present working in Greymouth.

The Chairman said that the matter was purely a question of fact. Mr. Mclntosh said he did not think it was a very serious offence. He moved that the usual procedure be followed, and that Thompson be placed on the caution list. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Jones, and carried. Mr. A. Jamieson reported that Technical did not advise their inability to field a team against United fourthgrade. The Chairman said the only thing he coulud see was that the points be allotted to United. He moved in that direction, and the resolution was seconded by Mr. Eggleton and carried. Mr. Mclntosh said that the Technical third grade team had also failed to appear, while Mr. Eggleton pointed out that the Cobden team had. been ready to play, and were disappointed. The Chairman said that the secretaries of clubs should notify the Union officially when fixtures could not be fulfilled. He moved that the Technical Club he asked for some explanation.

Mr. Scott stated he had been informed by the club that the Union had been notified. The Chairman’s resolution was seconded by Mr. Mclntosh, and carried. PLAYED BOTH CODES An application for readmission to the code was made by C. Preston, who gave his age. as 15 years. The Chairman pointed out that there was no necessity to send the application to the New Zealand Rugby Union, as Preston was under age, although it was just as well to have the form filled in, for the information of the West Coast Union. Mr. Pring asked whether the fact that a boy was working made any difference, and was answered in the negative by the Chairman, who said it was a question of age. Mr. Pring: Is there anything to stop him from playing League and Rugby? The Chairman: That is a question for the discretion of the Union. The fact of a boy being under age does not necessarily mean that we are compelled to admit him. On the iriotion of Mr. Guy, it was decided to readmit Preston. Mr. O’Donnell said that the boy had played both codes several times. Boys should be told that if they reverted to League they would not be readmitted in future. There should be some penalty to it. It was decided to add this recommendation to the resolution .

R. J. Furness, aged 19, applied for re-admission.

Mr. O’Donnell said he understood that Furness had played League for Marist at Christchurch. He was a ‘star’ performer, playing a brilliant game, with *the result that the Canterbury people gained the impression that League was very strong on the West Coast.

Mr. Steel said that Furness was on holiday in Christchurch, and as Marist were a player short, he turned out for them in one game. The Chairman pointed out that the application was not complete, as it had not been declared by Furness.

Mr. Guy moved that the applicant be readmitted, subject to the completion of the form. The resolution was seconded by Mr. White, and carried. FIXTURES The following fixtures were arranged for Saturday at the Park: Seniors: West Coast v. Buller, A

ground, 3 p.m., referee to be appointed.

Juniors: Cobden v. Ross, A ground, 1.30 p.m. Referee, H . Ryan. Grey B representatives v. Rovers (Granity), B ground, 1.30 p.m. Referee, A. Warnes. Mr. White was appointed manager of the West Coast team, which is to assemble at the Park Hotel at 2.30 p.m. Mr. Eggleton was appointed manager of the junior representatives, who are to assemble at the same place at 1 p.m. Details in connection with the match against Buller were discussed, and it was decided that the prices for admission to Victoria Park be 2/- and 1/-; that the ground be marked out; that the names of Messrs W. Williams, A. Winchester, E. Heenan and A. Cutbush be submitted to Buller as referees, Messrs T. Mclntosh and D. Mclvoi being unavailable; that 500 programmes be printed and distributed, 200 to be placed on the special train from Christchurch; that Messrs Guy and Mclntosh take charge of the grandstand; and that steps be taken to prevent spectators encroaching on the field., Mi’. Ryan moved that the Inangahua Sub-union be invited to play the Gi ey representatives at Greymouth on Saturday, September 7. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Jones, anti cairied. The matter of arranging financial assistance for Inangahua was referred to the Chairman and secretary. On the motion of Mr. Ryan, it was decided that the Dittman Shield team be selected on Saturday evening.

APPEAL BY SUB-UNION

FOR GAMES AT HOKITIKA

With the object of stimulating interest in the Rugby code in the Hokitika district? a deputation from the Westland Sub-union waited upon the West Coast Rugby Union at Greymouth last evening, and made an appeal for some representative games to be played at Hokitika. The deputation comprised Messrs. F. McGregor (who apologised for the absence of the Sub-union president, Mr. H. M. Coulson), D. R. Dowell, A. Cutbush, H. D. McManaway, J. Howat, and R. McDonald. Mr. McGregor said that the deputation was not there to make any trouble, but just to have a quiet little talk between the two unions. They noticed by Press reports that there were to be several representative matches played on the West Coast this season, and they thought that, in the interests of the game, the members of the various Hokitika clubs, and the general public, that the union might see its way clear to grant one representative match at Hokitika. The interest in senior club football had practically gone out now, particularly at, Hokitika. The public there could not attend League games, as the Greymouth people could, and they were crying out for representative matches. The sub-union thought they might be granted the proposed match between West Coast and Nelson. The sub-union was in a much better position now that it was years ago, as the Hokitika Borough Council had now granted them the right to charge more for admission to any representative games. In face of that, a good gate could be guaranteed, and a good financial balance. The subunion was anxious that a representative game should be played at Hokitika, and they were not particular which game it was. Christchurch had played at Hokitika twice jn recent seasons, and it was thought that Nelson would be a change for the Hokitika public. The sub-union was in a somewhat similar position to that of the West Coast some years ago; it was now at a dead end, and the public were crying out for matches. If a representative game could be granted, the sub-union would be very pleased. Mr. Dowell said that the matter was entirely in the hands of the West Coast Union. The deputation was there practically on a begging expedition, and it was hoped their proposition would not be turned down. They did not think it was unreasonable, and hoped it would be given fair and sporting consideration. In reply, the Chairman (Mr. A. A. Adams) pointed out that the union had not had an opportunity to consider the matter. Personally, he was going to speak his mind. It was a matter that required a good deal of consideration on the part of the union. Personally, he did not regard it as a question of sub-union or union. He did not think the request would be granted this year, although the other members might not agree with him. In the first place, they had a Rugby ground at Greymouth, and Greymouth was the centre of the district, which extended from Inangahua to Westland. They had not had a great number of representative matches at Greymouth, Buller being practically the first. A Merivale club team had - visited Greymouth, but that was not really a representative game. He was not particularly blaming the earthquake, but it had had its effect, and since then the weather conditions had not been ideal, and there had been a lot of blank Saturdays so far as football was concerned. The union, as the governing body, had to see that they kept Victoria Park, which was practically a Rugby ground, going, and unless they had a reasonable number of matches it was impossible to do so. In saying that, he did not infer that J decent gate could not be secured anywhere else. It did not seem any more reasonable to shift representative matches to Hokitika than it would to shift them to Reefton. The union had a definite match arranged with Canterbury, but that with Nelson was “in the air” a little at present. Nelson had suggested a Thursday game, but that was no good so far as the West Coast Union was concerned. Another point about Nelson was that West Coast teams had been going there and to Marlborough tor a great number of years, and had not been seen in action on the West Coast. It seemed only a fair proposition to all West Coast football supporters, that the Nelson match should be played at the most central place. He was, however, quite open to con-, viction, and to hear other expressions of opinion. Personally, he thought they should not hastily reach a decision that evening. The union should go into the whole question, and consider ways and means. He was not speaking as if the whole thing was finished. He happened to be the president, but he was just one member of the union and was just- 'expressing his personal views, so that they would know exactly where he stood, and any misunderstanding would be avoided. Mr. T. P. Ryan: What is the use of us expressing any opinion, until we get a definite decision from Nelson that they are coming? The Chairman said that the union was in communication with Nelson at present. Perhaps, in suggesting a Thursday match, Nelson had made a mistake, and thought that the halfholiday at Greymouth was on Thurs-

day, as it was at Westport. No reply had yet been received to the request that the game be played on a Wednesday.

Mr. W. Pring said that the request /of the sub-union was reasonable, in a sense. The whole question hinged on the match with Buller next Saturday. ■A fine day and a big gate would help the union’s financial position, and if they also had a good day for the Canterbury match, it might be quite a good scheme to give Hokitika another representative game. The only question that came into the picture was that, if they played at Hokitika, the Nelson team would have to do some extra travelling. That would mean extra expense in car hire, as the train service did not suit on a Wednesday. It was a little premature to discuss the subject that evening, before a reply had been received from Nelson. The Chairman: Of course, I just want everyone to understand my views. I don’t like this sort of business, but there is no doubt that pounds, shillings and pence,, so far as paying our way is concerned, influences me a great deal now. I am not saying that, if we went into the question and everything was put to the union, reasonable arguments would not change my views. I don’t want to be accused afterwards of saying “yes” now, and “no” later on. If it can be shown that it is a reasonable proposition, I am quite willing to be convinced. I would rather put up the opposition to you now, and I would rather be convinced by reasonable argument than rush into the matter. I have given a fair amount of attention to making ends meet, and that is the chief difficulty I see at present. lam quite sure that the union will discuss the matter reasonably, and that they will not say “no” just from pure cussedness.

Mr. Howat stated that the Chairman had referred to it being just as fair to play representative games at Reefton, but he did not see where that came in. Reefton did not play club matches at Greymouth, whereas, the Hokitika teams took their turn at travelling. He did not think Reefton should enter into the situation at all. Greymouth had four or five senior teams in the competition, and he was wondering whether they could not run their own competition, as they did some years ago, and let the Westland Sub-union run its own competition. The Ross team was much too good for the junior grade, and the subunion could quite easily run a senior competition at Hokitika. He understood that the main reason the Hokitika teams came to Greymouth was to assist the union, and in the circumstances it was only reasonable that they should have at least one out of three representative matches played at Hokitika.

The Chairman said that he would not be a party to bargaining for representative matches. Regarding his reference to Reefton, the interests of the Inangahua Sub-union must be considered. Th© Reefton people had even less chance of seeing representative football than had the people in othei' places, and they must be given an opportunity to do so. Inangahua had made great strides in their own little way, and had done a great deal for the game. He thought the time had come when the union should go thoroughly into the question, no matter where clubs played from, it being a fact that the only matches from which the union gained revenue were played at Greymouth. The union should derive some percentage, no matter where the games were played, otherwise they were carrying on the business of the union purely by revenue received from the few games played at Greymouth, whereas Rugby' was played all over the district. He did not think the union could give a decision that evening as to whether representative matches could be played at Hokitika. Mr T. O’Donnell expressed the opinion that, if the match were allocated to Hokitika, the Nelson Union should, as a matter of courtesy, be asked if they had any objections to playing there. Apart from Hokitika teams coming to Greymouth, it must be understood that Greymouth teams also travelled to Hokitika. From a financial and business point of view, the visits of Greymouth teams were rather an asset to Hokitika. He thought that aspect of the matter should not be brought into the discussion at all. The deputation was there simply to ask for representative matches. Since Nelson, was first in communication with the West Coast, the Nelson team had lost the Seddon Shield, and perhaps they would not now be prepared to travel. Nelson had merely stated that they proposed to visit Westport, and had asked for the terms for a-visit to Greymouth. They had not definitely promised to make the trip. The Chairman stated that a lot of representative games were arranged at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union. For instance, the Auckland officials knew the circumstances on the West Coast, and had stated that they were prepared to send the Auckland touring team to Greymouth next year, provided the South Canterbury Union acted sportingly and released them from their engagement to play there. Auckland were prepared to come to Greymouth to help the Coast Union. He could not consent to any bargaining as to where such games should be played on the West Coast.

Mr Ryan: I think there has been enough discussion. The deputation should be thanked for coming, and told that we will communicate with them when we hear further from Nelson.

Mr McGregor stated that they did 'not attend with the expectation of receiving a definite reply that evening. They just attended so that they would be in time in the event of it being possible to grant the sub-Union one of the representative matches. If the Union could do so, they would be delighted; if not, they would have to abide by its decision. The sub-Union would not think of asking foi’ the match with Auckland to be played at Hokitika, particularly when it would be played for the special benefit of the Union. However, they thought that it would not be too much if the sub-Union were granted one out of three ordinary representative matches. He thanked the Union for the consideration extended to the deputation. The Chairman: I hope you will not take what I have said as just pure cussedness, but I do not want to give you any false impressions as to my present views. If the Nelson trip eventuates, and it can be shown to me that it is workable and reasonable to play the match at Hokitika, I am quite prepared to be ‘convinced. If a person cannot change his mind on decent argument, I always look on him as a bit of a fool. It is only reasonable that the Union should be given time to go into the matter, and also that the Westland Sub-Union

should be given reasonable time to make arrangements, if the match is to be played there. Mr Dowell stated that the SubUnion was not looking for any financial gain, and all the receipts and expenditure could be handled by the Union. In the event of the Nelson Union asking for a guarantee, he would suggest. that the West Coast Union sliould give the Sub-Union an opportunity of saying whether it could provide the guarantee. So far as taking the Nelson team to Hokitika was concerned, the Sub-Union would guarantee car transport, if necessary. So far as Reefton was concerned, they had had a good deal of representative football in past years, although, not so much this year. The Westland SubUnion was not holding a gun at the Union’s head and demanding a representative game, or saying they would pull out if they did not get one. Last year, they could only charge one shilling for admission to representative matches, but conditions were better now. An indication of the probable gate was shown by the fact that the receipts at the seven-a-side tournament were £5O, at only one shilling for admission. If the Nelson match was played on a Wednesday, the Sub-Union could guarantee that all the business premises and sawmills would be closed foi’ the occasion. He did not think that the Union should always be guided by the remarks of the Chairman. (Laughter).

The Chairman .said that it was his ■ job to try and look after’ the finances ' of the Union. That was why he wanted time for proper consideration of the proposition. Mr McManaw.ay said that interest in . football at Hokitika had waned a great deal recently, both so far as players and spectators were concerned. There was difficulty in getting players to turn out, and he thought that a representative match would stimulate interest. He agreed with the, Chairman that it should not be a matter of bargaining. Any representative match would suit the Sub-Union. He believed Reefton should be placed on a ■ par with Westland, and the formation : of a metropolitan Union might be con- ; sidered on the West Coast in future, with three Sub-Unions —Grey, Westland, and Inangahua. The Chairman promised to com- ■ municate to the Sub-Union the decision reached by the Union on the proposals made. In reply to a question from the Chairman, as to whether the Kiwi Club would be able to fulfil any more fixtures this season, in view of their two recent forfeits, Mr McManaway explained that every endeavour was made by the Kiwi Club to fulfil its engagements. The players were scattered over a wide district, and, owing to a breakdown of the motor bus, they did not reach Hokitika until it was too late to continue the journey to Greymouth. The Kiwi Club was still functioning, although it was very hard to get the players together. The Kiwi members were scattered over a large district, whereas the members of the Excelsior Club practically all resided in Hokitika. The Kiwi Club 'was trying to battle along, and would appreciate a little assistance from the Union. Mi’ Howat remarked that sickness had affected the players recently, and the opossum season had also knocked, them back. (Laughter). On behalf of the Union, the Chairman thanked the deputation for their attendance. Mr MJcGregor stated that some expense had been incurred by the party in coming from Hokitika, but it was thought more satisfactory to have a personal interview with the members of the Union. JUNIOR REP. TEAM. The junior representative team selected to play the Rovers (Granity)

team on Saturday at Victoria Park, will be as follows:—

Full-back: McNabb (Kumara); Three-quarters: Mills (Brunner), McGinley (Stars), Olsen (Blaketown); Five-eighths: McGrath (Kumara), Cairney (Stars); Half: Sorenson (Brunner); Forwards: Hookers— Haines (Kumara), Grooby (United), lock, Hallinan (Brunner), sides, McKenzie (Brunner), Rathbun (United), back row, Frew (United), Williams (Stars). Emergencies: Biacks, Dunwoodie (Brunner), Pierson (Kumara). Forwards: Rochford (Kumara), Eatwell (Stars). Any player unavailable is asked to notify the Union Secretdry immediately. Players to assemble at the Park Hotel at 1.15 p.m.