“A SURPRISE”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11248, 28 June 1922, Page 8

“A SURPRISE”

ALLEGED CHARGE OF CLUB BIAS. AIR J. AIOFFITT'S bTATEMENT. The decision of tho Wellington .Rugby Referees* Association, to Hie effect that Mr J. Aloffitt, a member of the association, who presided at the Berhampore Football Club’s special meeting, be written to and asked to state ‘ whether he has been correctly reported in the publio Press in regard lo a serious charge of club bias against Mr Evenson, a tjonior referee," came as a surprise to Air Aloffitt, who made a statement to a reporter yesterday. “In view of the fact that several members of the executive were aware that 1 was not tho mover of the motion relating to the club’s teams refueing to take the field under Air Evenson, I was surprised that the referees' motion went forward." Air Aloffitt explained tnat at the club meeting when the motion was moved he stated that an inquiry would be held, and that the mover would have to produce evidence. The mover informedimn that ho was in a position to do so. “No attack whatever was made upon Air Evenson by tho meeting," eaid Air Aloffitt. “At the outset I eaid that there was no grievance against Air Evenson, th© Referees' Association, or the Petone Club. ATy position was ouite neutral us chairman, in which capacity I was expected to give a lead to the meeting. A couple of questions were*asked*when the motion was moved, and I answered them, pointing out in one case tnat an inquiry would be held, and in the other that the olub was quite within its rights if the evidence could bo produced. “I have no charge to answer to the executive of the Referee*' Association, mvl I huvo no intention of attending the executive's mooting; but I attend rhe open meeting of the association, and if t am n«ked anv question there, I am prewired to answer it; in fact, T am prepared to explain my position if the mooting is open to tho Pros©. ATy reason for not attending the executive mooting is Hint the matter has got beyond one between an individual member and tho executive of the association."