DEFENCE AND FOOTBALL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15919, 3 May 1912, Page 8

DEFENCE AND FOOTBALL.

THE POSITION IN AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 2.

Up to the present no difficulty has been anticipated by the Rugby football authorities in regard to Territorial parades interfering with football. Mr Langsford, secretary of tho Auckland Rugby Union, informed a "Star" representative that he was surprised tho Wellington officials were making a fuss. Tho Auckland Union had always found the Defence Department ready to meet it in every possible way. The Department had always shown tho greatest consideration for all branches of sport. He understood that the four parades that were to take place this month would occupy only two half days, as the intention was to commence tho parade at 10 o'clock and end it at about G or 7 o'clock in the evening, thus merging two parades into one. In this way matters would be greatly simplified as far as football players were concerned. It was recognised that it was the duty of lads who were called upon to serve to attend the necessary number of parades. Tho Union had no desiro to prevent them from doing that. Somo of the football player 3 who are also Territorials have announced their intention to decline to parade during the football season. If they adopt this course it will necessitate the Department taking action and a few fines will probably have a salutary effect.'