MEETING OF COUNCIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8180, 23 July 1912, Page 1

MEETING OF COUNCIL

WHOLE TEAM FINED MAXIMUM

PENALTY.

PBESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, July 22. The trouble in regard to the League footballers which occurred in Sydney ■ prior to .the last match was discussed at a meeting of the council of the New Zealand -Kug.by League this afternoon. Mr Mclleynolds, one of tho managers, in-his report stated that tho men absolutely, refused to go on the field when they were.told that they had to go home the same night. They signed a document to .that effect, and in order not- to compromise tho Now Zea« land League in the eyes of tho Sydney public the managers wore compelled to agree to tho men’s request. Tho men gave as their reason that they landed in Australia and had boon compelled to play, travel, and train, continuously, and therefore would not ba fit’to go aboard tho steamer the sam« night. The council decided to receive a deputation of , players, of whom Irvino was spokesman. Ho repeated tho reason ' given by the managers regarding tho continuous travelling, and said that they _ only got notice on Friday of the intention to return to N.cw Zca* land on- Saturday _ night. _ They wero unanimous in their decision not to come home. They were ’a happy family, but thought, the tour was badly arranged. A. Caslan, one of tho deputation said- that had they known tho circum stances regarding the- .Wellington match they would have considered tho League’s interests before their own. W. Dervar, one of the’players, said that they knew the risk they were running in refusing to play, but as soma of tho men had been hurt in tho other match' they did not care to go on tho steamer straight after tho match for fear of similar accidents? 1 -

Tho players -withdrew, and the council, after duo consideration, decided to fine tho men tho maximum amount allowed by the rules, and to stop a portion of their loss-of-timo payment.