FOOTBALL AND RUFFIANISM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12534, 22 June 1901, Page 4

FOOTBALL AND RUFFIANISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l must take exception to statements made in an article in yonr Monday’s issue, headed “Football and Ruffianism.” Before dohig sb, I may *tate that I was present at the match Menvale v. Katapoi, during the Whole; of the time except the first five minutes. I wa§ Oti , the eastern, touch-line about twenty minutes, and during the remainder of the game was on the western side of the ground. The spectators stood on the outside of the cycle-track, and no one was neat the touch-line except the judges, reporters, Selection Committee, apd two or three ■ officials of the club. The spectators kept in their places outside the cycle-track, fully fifty feet from the touch-line, the whole time the game, was in progress. Towards the end of the second spell a quarrel took place between two of the players, when the referee stopped the game. The people rail ever to see Willat was thb blatter, but immediately returned when revested. You fifty -the spectators, of whom ft large number cable from Christchurch, “managed to work the players into a state of Unwholesome excitement. I deny that. Duribg a part of the time it was rather the reverse, for, as a Wellington gentleman slid to me, “there was nor much enthusiasm among the people. Tile ttrifficlpal excitement 'the crowd created was in shouting, as ustial, Yellows! “ Blues!” Then, again,. you say the ground has long had ft bad reputation. Because the onlookers at a match, SOWS seven years ago, did not behave 'themsslves, are vve to be reminded o! the stigma, whether we deserve it or net. X can call to mind more disgraceful occurrences that took place on city grounds, whei'e you advocate country matches being pfaved. My sole excuse for troubling you is to remove an unjust aspetoibb upon mv fellow-townemen. As the dispute between the two players is fiub judicej leave that lb the hands of .the Rugbv Umtm; I am. etc., R. J. ALEXANDER, Vice-President Kaiapoi Football Club.