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Northern Advocate, 23 June 1925, Page 2

The Rugby Union intends placing a row of temporary seats along one side of the No. 1 ground in the hope that spectators will look upon it as marking their boundary and will not encroach inside it. The seats will be placed far enough back to enable everyone to obtain a good view of the game.

The expense incurred in transporting referees to outside games is proving a big one this year. The officials of the country clubs have been asked to defray the cost by taking a collection or by making a gate charge and all have signified their intention of doing so. Waiotira made a start on Saturday and gathered enough to pay for the referee's expenses for that day and to leave a small balance towards next time.

Complaints reach the writer of bad decisions by referees, but those who complain are very often disappointed supporters of a particular team and their remarks need not be taken very seriously. There are many impartial onlookers, however, whose opinions worth listening to, and when they complain it would seem that there was some reason for it. It behoves the Referees' Association to do its best to satisfy players, and one way to do this is to make sure that for the most important matches the best referees are appointed. By this time they have been sufficiently tried out to enable the

appointment committee to carry out this suggestion.

Two wins and an unexpected loss is the result of the All' Black tour to date. The second test was a very close go, but "Bunny" seems to have clone his share in gaining the victory.

The strict grading policy carried out by the Whangarei Union at the beginning of the season seems to have ilmost fulfilled expectations. Nearly all the graded players have now found places in senior teams, and although only four teams are taking part in the competition, next year will see five.

It was a wise decision of the Whangarei Rugby Union to resolve to play its matches under the New Zealand rules. At present players and referees seem undecided in many cases which ruling to give, but their lot should be made easier by the resolution just carried. As pointed out last week, only New Zealand rules are legal; Auckland amendments were winked at, but there is no league to combat here. The new rulings will not operate until supplies of the New Zealand handbook come to hand.

Ponsonby remain unbeaten in Auckland, but changes have taken place elsewhere. University were beaten in Wellington by Poneke, who now have a three-point lead. In Christchurch the two leading teams, Linwood and Merivale, were both beaten, and in Dunedin, 'Varsity had its first setback this season, going down to Pirates, eleven to> eight. PRIMARY NOTES. The following matches eventuated last week: —Wliau Valley v. KamoGrlenb<?rvie, 3 to nil; Hikurangi v. Whangarei B, 33 to 3; Whangarei A v. Hora Hofa, 33 to nil.

The Whau Valley—Kamo match was an even, strenuous contest, neither side crossing the line, the' score that brought victory to Whau Valley being a penalty goal kicked by A. Dickey. The game was fast, but the' Whan forwards were superior in footwork, while the Kamo backs fho wed better combination in attack. For the Kamo —Glenbervie team Mullins at half played aii" excellent game and" was ably supported by Saunders at who is a promising nlayer. Dickey and Marshall for Whau are sterling forwards, while Full; james is strong in defence. Ruddle, the three-quarter for Kamo, played well, but will not let the ball out. This is a serious fault, am> on one occasion this hanging on deprived Kamo of an almost certain try.

The Wliangarei B teaui was overwhelmed by the Hikurangi forwards and whs never in the picture. Wilson, of Hikuranrri, scored most of the tries. He is -i. hefty boy, who is always on the ball and grafts from beginning to end. He should bo a certainty for the Reps.

The Wliangarei A v. Rora Horn match proved another very one-sided {ift'air. The Wliangarei backs had a field day and threw the leather about in good style.

The selectors are busy sorting out likely cmdidates for Rep. honours, and an A ;md B match should eventuate shortly.

Tackling high is still ft bad feature of school football this year. A small boy has no hope of stopping a big boy unless he goes for him low.