RUGBY FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5730, 27 October 1905, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND.

(To the Editor ‘‘N.Z. Times.”) Sir.—We are perfectly aware that the Now Zealand team is verv much superior to the general class of (Rugby teams at Home, but to suggest that the national game iu England v should bo "marbles or ping-pong” is laying oneself open to the just censure incurred by Mr Kipling when he referred to the "flannelled fool and muddied oaf.” You seem to have forgotten that Association football is at such a high standard in Great Britain that no other country has yet sent a competing team. Because you cannot play baseball here, would you like the Americans to suggest that you would look well with a monkey and a stick? Ere this, you will have guessed I am an Englishman, but one who will be very thankful to the New Zealand representatives if they will revive the,interest in a Mod game in the Old Country. Undoubtedly the reason for the popularity of Association football is that the working man, the backbone of England, has taken it up, to the detriment of the Rugby game, I should like to suggest that in criticising you take a few hints from the few extracts from English papers, which you published this morninc. They at least, give "honour where honour is due.’’—l am, etc., ANTI-SKITE. October 24th.