NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 150, 26 June 1908, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

MARLBOUOUGH AFFAIRS

DISQUALIFIED PELORUS PLAYERS.

[press association.]

WELLINGTON, June 26,

At a meeting or the management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union last night, consideration was given to the two years' disqualification imposed upbn H. Grace by the, Marlborough Union last season for refusing to play under the auspices of the Marlborough Rugby Union; and also to the life disqualification' imposed upon Read and Simonson y two oiScials of the Pelorus SubUnion, who were alleged to have made misrepresentations at the inquiry, into the matter. , The - Union decided to reply that in its ' opinion - the sentences in aU cases, particularly in that of Grace, were too severe,' Grace at the time being under the direct control* of the Pelorus SubrUnion. In acting in accordance with ' the directions of ai, prominent official of the SubrUnion he would appear to have been justified in adopting the course he did, more especially as the New Zealand Union had reason to believe that he had sent to Rouse, of Picton, intimation of his intention to play for the Pelorus Sub-Union. They therefor© asked that the sentences should be reconsidered. RANFURLY SHIELD. The Marlborough Union asked" how: many men would be allowed to travel ,to Aucklandl in connection with their challenge match for the Ranfurly, Shield. .. ' ' • It was decided to inform them that, in the event of their challenge being accepted, the expenses of seventeen players and a manager would be allowed.