THE MANNING CASE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 116, 14 May 1909, Page 5

THE MANNING CASE.

TO THE EDITOR,

Si rj —l n reading your report of the last meeting of the Marlborough Rugby Union I was much surprised to notice that the Central Club s delegate had moved successfully a motion to prevent Manning from playing until the Union had dealt with the notice of motion to rescind the resolution passed at the previous meeting. Manning is a resident of the Central district, and the Central Club should, therefore, have no hesitation in playing him on Saturday, notwithstanding their delegate's mo- ; tion. Now, why did the Moutere i supporters on the Union so readily ! agree to Mr Strickland's motion ? j They evidently realised that their ac- ( tion in regard to Manning at the previous meeting was ultra vires, and thought that by supporting the motion they would at least prevent j Manning from playing against their j team on Saturday, which he is,! nevertheless, still entitled to do. There can be no question whatever that last year's arrangement whereby the Union permitted Manning to play for Moutere was for the 1908 season' only. It was, of course, then quite optional for Manning whether he played for Moutere or Central, but owing to a disagreement with some members of the Central Club, he de- ; cided to avail himself of the Union's permission to play for Moutere. The 1908 Union, in its anxiety about the retention of the Seddon Shield, no | doubt made a serious mistake in giving a player this option, but the present Union, in endeavouring to force a man, against his wishes, to play for a district of which he cannot by any stretch of imagination bo, called a resident, is making a much graver mistake and has, I consider, forfeited all claim to be looked upon !as a body capable of controlling Rugby football in Marlborough. Before concluding, I would like to say to the Central Club, do not hesitate to abide by the Union's "rules"; under these you already have the power you seek. Exercise it!—lam, etc., ANOTHER SPECTATOR.. Blenheim, May 13.