THE RANFURLY SHIELD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7110, 23 April 1910, Page 7

THE RANFURLY SHIELD

NOT WANTED IN AUCKLAND. tbess association. AUCKLAND, April 22. At tho annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby Union this evening, there was a good deal of discussion regarding the Ranlurly Shield. The local representatives have . resisted all attempts to wiest tho trophy liom. them; but judging by remarks made to-night, holding a shield is not an .uumixed .blessing. The president of the union, • Mr Devore, said he thought, it would, be a good thing if someone took the shield, from them . and lost it. on the way V.tp Wellington. , i 1 ■ The general trend;of the discussion was on the question of how to graciously get rid of the shield.' and that -it affected club football, and therefore, was general! v detrimental to sport. Among tho suggestions made was one that the shield should bo handed back to the New Zealand Rugby Union for allotment; another that it be handed back to the New Zealand Rugby Union to be kept, and not competed for, for a period of three dr five years. Finally, it- was decided to ask the Anckland.'dclegaies to tho New Zealand’Rugby Union annual meeting to vote on a proposal limiting the number of, Ranfiirly Shield matches to two each season.... The retention of tho'shield found some /supporters, who considered the patrons of the game were entitled to see at many ”big matches” as possible. A proposal bearing cn the subject was carried, recommending the incoming committee to continue play in club games during the representative matches programme. Tho Auckland -Union’s olub games will start on May 7th. Mr C. V. Langford, secretary of the Auckland Union, received a telegram toaluy, asking, him if he was able to accept the position of manager of tho Maori team which will tour' Australia. He wan, however, unable to accept the offer. . . •■