ROW IN THE CAMP

NZ Truth, Issue 1035, 26 September 1925, Page 12

ROW IN THE CAMP

Trouble With Hawkes Bay WHY THIS BAD BLOOD? (From "Truth's Auckland Rep.) Rumor hath it that all is not well between' the local union and Hawkes Bay. From little whispers that get about there is some talk of an offensive letter being received by the chairman which - will take some righting. From what can be gathered the management committee of Hawkes Bay dissociate themselves from the accusations made, and maybe more will be heard of the matter. If the whole story can be given to the public there will be wigs on the Napier green. . Though the union dissociate themselves with the letter there is also a further matter which widens the breach that has unfortunately been made. A TACIT UNDERSTANDING. It has been tacitly understood that Auckland would challenge for the Ranfurly Shield, though the challenge was not reduced to actual writing. At the. solicitation. 'of the Hawkes Bay Union Auckland withdrew the challenge, due mainly to the fact that a short time prior to the date fixed for the annual match the holders advised them that it would be expecting too much to travel to Wellington, defend the shield at that place, then journey back to Napier and once more protect their interest, and follow this up by a trip to the northern city the following day, or m other words play three strenuous games within a week. 'On ascertaining the position the Auckland Union promptly withdrew the challenge. Despite this 'fact Hawkes Bay . put m an appeal to, the New ZeaMand. Union against the ' match being declared a shield game. What apparently hurts the Aucklanders is the fact that after notifying the Bayites they did not withdraw their application, which, of course, would be'; the right thing to do. -..'■■ It is a great pity that two such unions should be at variance with each other. Football is only a game, and should be regarded as such, but it appears as if the Ranfurly Shield was the "be all" of football. troubles With sub-union. The union has also had its troubles with a sub-union. ' Thames is associated with Auckland, and naturally the services of players, of the sub-union should have first consideration. When the committee asked for Lomas they were told that he was required to assist Thames m defending the Peace Cup against a team from Pukekohe. For a time the sub-union was adamant m its decision to keep Lomas at home, and the position became somewhat tense. For a few days it was possible for anything to happen, but reason prevailed m the end and Lomas played against Hawkes Bay and scored a try. whilst Thames had no difficulty m defending the Peace Cup. All's well that ends well, but it was a close go.