CONTROL OF RUGBY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20627, 28 July 1930, Page 11

CONTROL OF RUGBY.

VOICE FOR NEW ZEALAND.

BRITISH MANAGER'S VIEWS

THE POSITION IN AUCKLAND

The desire of tho New Zealand Rugby Union to have a voice in tho control of the game by the International Rugby Board was referred to by Mr. S. S. Dean, chairman of the management committee of the union, and Mr. James Baxter, manager of tho British team, at the dinner given to both teams at the Hotel Cargen on Saturday evening. Mr. Baxter passed somo criticism on the amended rules played in Auckland. "Considering that there arc men living to-day who took part in practically the first games played in this country, it can be realised that New Zealand Rugby, although lusty, is still young," Mr. Dean said. "However, in the actual playing of tho game wo have made considerable progress. Rugby is essentially a British game and we hope that the control of Rugby will always be centred where it is at present—in tho International Board.

"We in New Zealand do not wish to dictate to those who control the game, but wo feel that we have developed sufficiently to be allowed a voice in framing laws and rulings. It is not our desire to agitato, but our aim is cortainly direct representation on tho International Board." "With reference to New Zealand's Rugby aspirations, voiced by Mr. Dean, I think I can safely say that the time is not far distant when the Dominion will have a voice in the control of Rugby in tho British Empire," Mr. Baxter said. "I make this statement as one who has had somo little weight in the affairs of the English Rugby Union, but I would add that there is a strong need of uniformity with regard to rulings. "I understand that you in Auckland have been faced with certain difficulties. There has been opposition, but what you believe to be a roaring lion may only bo a woolly dog. I think that you in Auckland are wrong to require special privileges in regard to rules to combat this competition. After all, Rugby is a game for the players; the spectators do not really matter. If our game as it was played at Eden Park to-day is not a fit and proper game for men and boys to play, do not worry. Let them play some other giimo if they feci inclined. It is the man who plays the game that counts and if he enjoys playing it there is nothing wrong. "1 sympathise readily with your desire for a voice on tho International Board, but until you accept the rulings of tho board your voice will not be heard. I appeal to you to come into the fold and realise that you arc hero to play the game for the sake of tho game. 1 have no doubt that your wishes will then bo fulfilled."

VISITORS FROM COUNTRY.

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES

LARGE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC

There were largo numbers of visitors to the city on Saturday, special trains being run, while there was also a large volume of road traffic. Hotels in the city were filled by people from the country districts, many of whom travelled long distances to see the Rugby test match. It is estimated that over 3000 passengers were carried on special trains from North and South Auckland, which arrived on Saturday morning. A special train from Opua arrived with 600 passengers, while another train from Whangarei brought 150. There were 311 passengers 011 special trains from the east coast, while a special train from Hamilton was also well filled. Special suburban trains from Helensville and Henderson brought over 200 people, and 350 passengers were carried on a special from Papakura. Only 100 people availed themselves of a special train /10m Taumarunui, but many from this district arrived on the previous clay. A total of 460 passengers was carried by tho ordinary Wellington express, while the limited express, which had extra sleeping accommodation, arrived with 220 travellers.

In addition to the train travellers many people arrived by motor-car and boat. The Northern Steamship Company's steamers Clansman and Claymore arrived with heavy passenger lists from Russell and Whangarei respectively. Service cars arriving in the city in the morning were well patronised and large numbers of private cars used the main north and south roads. In order to see the match many country visitors left their homes on the previous evening. Four special trains left Auckland after the nfatch, tho station presenting a particularly busy scene. Two "specials" for Hamilton and for Rotorua and the East Coast were the first to leave, each carrying several hundred passengers. Special trains for Opua and Tauinarunui were delayed in order that passengers might obtain refreshments before leaving on their long journey. Large crowds also travelled on tho suburban trains on Saturday evening and the limited express and an augmented second express last evening were well filled with returning visitors. The second express contained 19 carriages and was the largest passenger train despatched from Auckland since Christmas.