REFEREES' STRIKE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 8

REFEREES' STRIKE

MANAWATU DEADLOCK A CONFERENCE REFUSED [by telegraph OWN correspondent] PALMEHSTOX NORTH, Thursday There is no easing of the determination not to referee any more games unless the Manawatu Rugby Union takes a different stand in respect of penalties imposed on players reported by referees. When the Manawatu Referees' Association met to-night it was pointed out that the recent decision of the union to take no action in respect of one player was only the climax, and that over a number of years referees had had to submit to what was described as a lack of protection from the union. The time had arrived, it was stated, when things had to be altered. The union wrote asking for a conference to discuss the situation, but the association's reply is to be that since the union did not reopen the last case reported.it was unreasonable to expect the association to send a delegation for such purpose. It was stated that only last year the union had tried to lift the power of appointing referees from the association, and it would have succeeded if the association had not stood firm. That was what all the associations in New Zealand had fought for, and while some got it, others had not. The meeting concluded with referees handing in their gate passes and intimating that their jerseys would follow.