REFEREES' TRIALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 16

REFEREES' TRIALS

RUGBY MATCH INCIDENT

FEELING AT MEETING THREE MEMBERS WALK OUT NORTHERN WAIROA TROUBLE [nv tklegraph-own correspondent] DARGAVILLE, Fridny Three referees walked out from a special meeting of the Northern Wairon Referees' Association this evening, called to discuss the Northern Wniroa Rugby Union's decision to take no action regarding the ordering off of a spectator during tho match between Northern Star and Southern at Tangiteroria a fortnight ago. A .referee, Mr. A. II Vennell, left tho meeting following a remark by the secretary of the Rugby Union, Mr. F. F,. Hosking, that he thought Mr. Vennell had made a mistake. Mr. L. F. Houghton indicated that ho intended to resign and withdrew, after a motion which he had moved, proposing that the members should not referee until the union could assure whole-hearted support, had been defeated. Mr. J. Parorc said that, as ho had supported the motion, ho would also leave. Mr. Vonnell had explained that he was not one of the referees at whoso request the special meeting had boon called, A Referoo and Delegate "I want to know if Mr. M. McDonald is a delegate to the union or is a referee," said Mr. Houghton. "Ho cannot bo both and he did not support tho referees last Tuesday evening." Mr. McDonald: I am acting as a referee and 1 am also a representative on the union for tho Ruawai Club. There is no rule to stop mo being both. Sir. Houghton: You have to bo one thing or the other. You failed us on Tuesday evening. Mr. McDonald: I object. I do not como here to bo chopped about. What was the meeting called for? The secretary, Mr. A. (x. Dickson: It was called to discuss tho ruling. An apology was sent in for Mr. Vennell being absent from the meeting, and it should hnvo been postponed until he could bo there. It was postponed the previous week in order that tho spectator might appear before tho union.

Mr. Vennell explained what had occurred at the match.

"1 am quite willing to resign if it is thought that 1 was wrong," he said "J am quite willing that it should be hushed up. I do not want the referees to get up against the union. I think both Messrs. McDonald and Paroro let us down at the meeting." "Most Uniortunate" "It is most unfortunate that this has occurred, and 1 am sorry for Mr. Vennell, who is a young referee and who has made a good job of refereeing," said Mr. Hosking. "The referee stops abuse from everybody. When this matter came up before the union Mr Vennell stated his ease, and it was thought that the spectator should be allowed to state his case. He denied calling Mr. Vennell a certain name. "There was no outside evidence taken, although two delegates to the union who were present at the match said that no bad language was used. A letter carno from the spectator regarding thg incident, but the union decided not to receive it. The Rugby Union did not know what to do, but after hearing the spectator and the two delegates it was decided to drop the matter on the motion of Mr. McDonald seconded by Mr. Parore. I can assure the Referees' Association that the union has supported it and always will."

"We have only one protection, ami that is the Rugby Union, which should stick to the referees," said Mr. Houghton. "The members of the union should thn«h the matter out from A to Z. 1 think it is in duty bound to protect us." "Even if ) had not been called the name, i think I was justified in ordering him off for saying i was wearing Southern colours," said Mr. V ennell. who indicated that he had finished refereoing, and left the meeting. Drastic Action Proposed Mr. Houghton expressed the view that if a referee made a mistake it should bo referred by the Rugby Union back to the Referees' Association. He then moved,that the association should finish refereeing until such time as the union could whole-heartedly assure support. The president, Mr. W. Harrison: That is rather drastic. Mr. Houghton: Yes, but it is the only thing we can do. The secretary seconded the motion pro forma. After further discussion the secretary moved an amendment proposing that to-morrow's matches should be referecd and that subsequently a deputation be sent to the Rugby Union to arrive at a clear understanding. The president seconded the cn.cndmcnt. Mr. Houghton: 1 will not referee another match unless the union is behind me. Tlio Secretary: If the motion is carried ihero will bo 110 matches to-inor-row Mr. Houghton: I want support for the referee who walked out. 1 brought liim into the association and I wane him supported 011 being put to the vote, the amendment was carried, Messrs. Harrison, Dickson and McDonald voting for it. and Messrs. Houghton and Parore against. Messrs. Houghton and Parore then left tli-3 meeting. Messrs. Dickson and MeCrnekcn were appointed a deputation to wait 011 the Rugby Union.