ENGLISH BOOBY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19046, 17 December 1923, Page 7

ENGLISH BOOBY

INFLUENCE OF THE DOMINIONS. TWO NOTABLE TRIBUTES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrigct LONDON, December 15. (Received Dec. 16, at 5.5 p.nl.) There is widespread surprise that Lawton, the Oxford “blue” from Queensland, has been passed over in favour of Kittermaster for the English Rugby trials. The only explanation that can be given is that the selectors are taking a long view as Lawton will bo returning in due course to Australia, while Kittermaster will be available in England for some years to come. Commander Davies, England’s ex-cap-tain, described as the greatest matchwinner in history, has paid a tribute in his book “Rugby Football” to the remarkable progress of the game in the dominions. He adds, “The value of the Dominion team’s visit to these islands cannot be over-estimated. The . finer points of the game have invariably been brought out and public interest stimulated so that a higher standard of play results." Mr B. Bennison, a • leading English authority, contributes an appreciation wherein he emphasises the value of the lesson taught English Rugby by the amazing Gallagher and his equally amazing All Blacks. He adds: “Our Rugby conscience was so hurt by their ruthless exposure of our weaknesses that wc set out to give the grand old game a new life. We’ve succeeded undoubtedly.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.