THE MOUATT CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11247, 27 June 1922, Page 7

THE MOUATT CASE

UNIBN DECISION ACCEPTER AMENDE HONORABLE TO THE REFEREE. , BERHAMPORE CLUB AIEETS. The suspension of N. Alouatt, of the Berhampore Football Club, w'as further discussed by a- meeting of the members of the club at tbe Masonic Hall, Berhampore, last evening. Air J. Moffitt, vice-psesident, occupied tbe chair, and there was an attendance of about 90 players. The meeting was held in committee. The following resolutions were carried : —: “That this meeting of tbe Berhampore Rugby Football Club desires to ten&er to Air Alouatt its sympathy in the unfortunate position in which be is placed by being disqualified for an offence of which the club considers he is not guilty; and asks him, in the interests of the club and of the game of Rugby football, to accept the decision of the Wellington Rugby Football Union management committee in the true sporting spirit that has caused Rugbyites in New Zealand to be respected ; and asks that, after completing his period of disqualification, he will once more take bi 9 place in the team and demonstrate to the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Football Union, and more especially to the football-loving public, that he is incapable of doing an action such as alleged by the management committee’s decision.” “That, after mature consideration, and with a desire to uphold the prestige of the club and the game in general, this meeting desires to unreservedly withdraw the resolution passed at the last meeting with reference to Mr R. Evenson, as tho said resolution was capable of an interpretation inferring unfair treatment by Mr Evenson as a referee. This was not intended, and, therefore, we desire to make an amende honorable.” “That this meeting respectfully suggests to the Wellington Rugby Football Union management committee that, in view of the unsatisfactory procedure for dealing with the hearing of cases of players ordered off, as demonstrated by the recent inquiry, that a judicial committee, consisting of three members, should be elected, with a recognised procedure for hearing evidence.** Alouatt, who was present at the meeting, thanked the club for the action it had taken in standing up for him, and announced that he had reconsidered his decision to retire from the game. For the sake of the club ha would again take his place in the team in the field as soon as the period of his suspension had expired. CHARGE. OF CLUB BIAS. The meeting also discussed in com. mittee the charge made by Air Moffitt, vice-president of the Berhampore Club and a member of the Referees’ Association, against Mr Eveneen, the referee who ordered Mouatt off the field. When open meeting was resumed the chairman stated tihaib as Air Evensen had been publicly attacked it was only fair that the public should know tbs resolution of thie meeting in the matter. He thereupon handed ta the Press the following resolution: — “That Mr Moffitt be written to and asked to state whether he has been correctly reported ini the public press in regard to a serious charge of club bias made against Mr Evensen, a senior referee, and if so that Air Moffitt he asked to appear before the next meeting of the executive to explain his action; and that the executive report oh the whole matter to the next weekly meeting of the association.” REFEREES’ DECISIONS. “MUST BE RESPECTED.” Reference to the Mouatt suspension case was made at the weekly meeting of the Wellington Rugby Referees’ Association last evening. The chairman, Air A. E. Neilsom, stated that a special meeting of the executive had been held at which it had been decided to forward the following motion to the Wellington Rugby Union: —“That whilst we do not feel disposed to enter into the merits of the Mouatt case we desire to point out that on all questions of fact the referee’s statement should be respected, as provided for in the laws of tho game.’ ’

The executive, said Mr Nedlson, maintained that the referee must receive the support of the members of the association. That was the reason for the decision. Referees’ decisions must be final. A letter had been received from the Berhampore Club intimating that it would not again take the field under Air Evensen. The executive had felt that the letter contained nothing that called for consideration by the Referees’ Association, and that it must he referred to the Rugby Union. The association had no control over the Berhampore Club or any other club. Hie executive had also suggested that an inquiry be made into the unsupported charge against a member of the association, and that the association should bo represented.