MANIAPOTO RUGBY UNION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 180, 9 August 1909, Page 5

MANIAPOTO RUGBY UNION.

A meeting of the Maniapoto Rugby Unino was held in Mr Falwasser's office on Saturday night. There were present: Messrs J. B. Young—president, in the chair; P. Cotter. F. Keeley, acting as deputy for G. Elliott, who was unable to be present. S. Moore. A. F. Howarth, E. C. Falwasser, N. B. Lusk, J. Nicholson, and the Secretary, A. S. Gresbam. After the minutes of the previous mcetig bad been read and confirmedtbc following letter was read: — Mapio, 23rd July. 'O9. Tne Secretary. Maniapoto Rugby Union. Dear Sir.—Re protest: Mokaoiti Football Club played on the 17th inst, at Mokaoiti against Nehenehenoi team: Re try disputed by Mokaoiti it is quite possible that Bumell touched the ball down. From where 1 was it looked to me that be struck the ball with his hip, and lost the ball. One of the Nehenehenoi players touched the ball and I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Several of the spectators have told me since that men in a better position to jodge that I was that Bornetl touched the ball down. I will leave it to the Union to award Mokauiti the match if they think I made an error in my decision. Yours faithfully. T. GORDON. Several other tetters from players and spectators were read, emphasising the fact that Bomell tooched the ball down and that unfortunately the referee was not in a position to see what really occurred. Much discussion ensued after which Mr Nicholson quoted from the New Zealand Referees* Association's hand book, page 18: "The referee mo«t carry a whistle, the blowing of which shall stop the game." Evidence was given by Mr Moore, Nehenehenoi delegate, who was present at the match, that Mr Gordon, had no whistle. He stated that it was agreed that Mr Gordon should whistle through his fingers and the game proceeded. "Several times in fact nine out of ten times." said the delegate, "he was not heard whistling, owing to his throat and lips being so dry." Mr Nicholson moved and Mr Keeley seconded, that the Mokaoiti —Nehenehenoi match be declared noil and void, and that the match be ra-played in Te Koiti on Saturday, 21st August. In speaking to the motion several of the delegates referred to the irregularity of playing under a referee who had no whistle, which was contrary to the law of the Referees* Association. Attention was also drawn to the fact that Mr Gordon is not and never was a recognised Union referee and that Mr Gabriel Elliott was appointed to controt this special game.

The motion was pot and carried. It was decided to bring a referee from Auckland to take charge of the game on the 21st inst., the expense to be carried by the members of the contesting teams.

The president pointed out that some weeks ago an effort was made to induce the members of the Domain Board to meet the Rugby Union to discuss the best means of improving the grounds. A certain sum o f money had been collected by him, and other amounts had been promised. Already £9 of that money had been spent in draining and fencing. He moved that the Secretary write to the members of the Domain Board and urge them to be present at the next Union meeting and formulate some scheme for effecting such improvements as are highly essential in the interests of the sport loving community.—Resolved. Just before the meeting closed Mr Howarth moved and Mr Nicholson seconded "that the Secretary write to the Nehenehenoi Football Culb, expressing regret that owing to an unfortunate accident —non-compliance with the rules of the Referees' Assocaition, during the match of the 17th olt.—the Mokautti—Nenenehenui match would have to be re-played oo the 21st inst.— Carried unanimously. All players are requested to return, as soon as possible, the rep. jerseys to Mr Gresbam.