NOT HEALTHY—FORSOOTH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 211, 24 August 1926, Page 3

NOT HEALTHY—FORSOOTH

(To the Editor.) Sir, —With due deference to “The Ladies’ Column” of Saturday’s edition, I should like to express my views concerning a letter sounding a warning note in regard to the great interest taken by the public in llugby foot ball. Tho writer of the letter docs not see w-hy “a band of picked men . . . who had toured England . . wrestling with a piece of leather" should be “acclaimed heroes” on their return home. Then she proceeds to label the game “not even healthy,” and concludes by drawing a parallel between the attitude of the Romans tow-ards their gladiators, and the present public toward llugby players.

Being a follower of Rugby, I do not quite agree with the sentiments expressed.

In every phase of social life, outstanding ability has its reward. Clever singer, gifted artist, compelling speaker, far-sighted general, beautiful filmstar—all sway their multitudes, all are acclaimed heroes by their admirers. Then if a man happens to be an outstanding footballer, is this heroship to be denied him We know it is not altogether what ho plays for; we give it gladly where it is merited. As for being “not a healthy game” —look at the stamina of our Bay rep. players. Again, how many of the 1924 AU Blacks have now “weak knees, ankles,” etc., or are “brokenwinded”? Victims, of course, taking a comprehensive view, there arc. Every branch of sport has its element of uncertainty, or even risk- To many of us, sport would not be attractive otherwise. Indeed, there seems to be reflected in a Rugby field a fairly correct image of the great game going c-n outside. Strength, character, brains, competition, espirit-de-corps, are all there. Would that the Rugby spirit were disseminated a bit more through our community! As long as the game is played in the proper spirit, for the game’s sake, and not for any pecuniary- benefits derivable from it, there will be no fear of its becoming a na tional stumbling block. —I am, etc., RUGBYITE. Hastings, 23/8/26.