OTAGO RUGBY UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19212, 1 July 1924, Page 9

OTAGO RUGBY UNION.

The weekly mooting of Um committee of (ho Otago Rugby Union was held last night, when there wore present Messrs H. H. B. White (chairman), H. Harris, 0. Uavanagh, O. M'Lnrcu, J. King, .1. Woodrow. D. M. Smart, W. Brown, G. Nelson, A. M’Donnld, W. Alexander, S. Ftycho, ,1. Mitchell, A. lleffornan, W. ,1. Wilson, E. Bugley, J. Wood, on, H. Uook, W. J. Strong, and Dv Evans. Mr G. Smith, hon. secretary of the Union Football Club, wrote as follows; “On behalf of tlio Union Club, I wish to express our sincere thanks for th© way the Second Grade motel), Taieri Rovers v. Union, was controlled on Saturday last. Wo recognise that tho referee’s job is a thankless one, and now that relations are somewhat sinained between players and referees, we think that a word in ids favour might lie appreciated.”—lt was decided to forward the letter to the Referees’ Association.-—Mr Harris; “It is the first match the Union Club has won.” —(fraught-■ ter.) Mr .J, Himburg, reforoe, wrote stating that tlie Forbury grounds were not in a fit state ton which to play football. —Mr King said that the referee on No. 2 ground on Saturday bad also complained of its bad state. —11 was pointed out that tho Works ConwniUoo had reported that tlie ground was not in such a bad slate a.s had been elated.—The Chainnun said that; they were paying £IOO a year for tho ground, and they expected it to bo in good order.— The letter was received. It was decided to suggest to the Canterbury Union that August 20 or JO should h© the date of the annual match between the R.S.A. Chilis of Otago and Canterbury. Tho match will take place in Christchurcti. BIRTH CERTIFICATES. W. J. Holden, secretary of tho Kaikorai Club, wrote telling of the difficulties he had experienced in trying to get the birth certificates of Fourth Grade players. ' Ho sincerely wished that the “gentleman from whom this brilliant idea emanated hod been given the job of collecting these certificates—(laughter); ho would get some idea of the extra work he was giving the average club secretary.”—lt was decided Lo refer the matter to the Flag Committee. SOUTHERN v. TAIERI ROVERS. As requested, Mr G. Mars ton, referee, reported on the Soutbern-Taicri Rovers match, played at Mosgiel last Saturday week, lie stated that he did not think it was a rough game, and Jhet he had had no occasion to caution anybody.—Noted. PLAYER SUSPENDED TILL 1526. Tlie committee continued its inquiry into the incident connected with the ordering off of M‘Ewon (Zingari-Richniond Club) and Thomas (Alhambra) by the referee (Mr A. Eckhold) in the match played at Opoho last Saturday week. Tnis inquiry was opened at the previous meeting, when the’ referee reported that there had been kicking by a Zingari man, and an attempt by Thomas to strike the Zingari offender. The referee had ordered both men off, but he had not been sure that M’Ewan was one of the offenders. The committee had decided, after hearing tho evidence, to exonerate M’Ewan, and Mr King, a member «f the executive of the union, said he desired to enter a charge against Eckhoff, a Zingari player, as the man who had attempted to kick another player. The referee and Eckhoff were the first to appear before the committee The Chairman explained to Eckhoff what had taken place at the previous meeting of tho committee. Mr King said that during the course of the second spell he was standing on the dead-ball lino. About half-way through tho second spell a loose scrum was formed, and he noticed a Zingari player deliberately kick at an Alhambra player who was lying on the ground. At the time he did not know the Zingari man’s name, but after the match he had learnt that Eckhoff was the man. Eckhoff said he absolutely denied the charge. He did not deliberately kick at a man. Ho was at the back of the scrum, and ho kicked at the ball. Ho really did not know what happened. J. .Sutherland, a spectator, said he saw the Alhambra man. M’Millan, lying in a scrum, with his body outwards and his feet in the scrum. Ho saw Eckhoff come round and kick M’Millan deliberately three times while ho was lying on the ground. In answer to questions. Sutherland said he did not know where the ball was. He had no doubt it was Eckhoff who did the kicking. The bull was nowhere near M’Millar;, of that he was absoluteb’ certain. It would not be possible for M’Millan’s body to be shielding tho ball! There was nothing ho took exception to in tho play outside of this particular incident. Eckhoff was standing straight up. The referee, Eckhold, was on the other side of the scrum, and he had no possible chance of seeing what took place. Eckhoff said he had no questions to ask. M’Millan, the Alhambra player, said ho was trying to get out of a ruck, and. he got kicked in the chest. .That was all he remembered; he went “out.' He knew who it was who kicked him, but lie did not think it was for him to nominate the player. In answer to questions, M’Millan said he did not remember getting more than one kick. Ho went “out” with the first —he lost consciousness. He had a bruise below the heart. ■ He was trying to struggle out backwards from the scrum. The ball would bo about sft away from him. Mr Wootton said ho did not see why a player should not assist tho committee if he*knew who it was who kicked him. — (“Hear, hear.”) Tho Chairman said if the player refused to give the offender s name he could not force him. Eckhoff said, he had no quest ions to ask. M’Millan said that after he recovered "ho weht back to the field of play. Graham Birch said he was standing on the lino facing the scrum. He notiood a player kicking with both feet, right and left, and he then saw Thomas rush forward with his clenched fist, but he could not say whether a blow was struck. He was quite certain ho saw Eckhoff kick out, but he could not say whether he kicked anybody. In answer to questions, the witness said Eckhoff was making no attempt to play the bull. The ball was not near him. lie did not know any of tho players. Ho learnt the men’s nantos afterwards. He could not pick Eckhoff out in tlie street as tho man who did the kicking. Eckhoff was lying on the ground when he was doing the kicking. Mr Sut,norland said Eckhoff was on both feet—he was never dorm. Eckhoff had no questions to ask. Mr H. Lawrie said he was a spectator at the matoh. M’Miilan was trying to get out of a scrum, and Eckhoff came round and kicked him in tho chest. He (witness) said at the time that the referee had pul off the wrong man. He was positive it was Eckhoff. Ho knew Eckhoff well. In anrwer to , questions, witness said Eckhoff v,as standing up. In answer to Eckhoff, witness said he was standing on the dead ball lino, looking up the field of play. 11. Thomas, the Alhambra player concerned in the incident, said an Alhambra player was on the ground, and he saw a Zingari man putting the bool in. Ho made a lunge forward to get him lo stop, and he was ordered off. The hall was not near M’Millan. He had no doubt the kicking was deliberate. He did not think it was right he should say who it was who did the kicking. Mi' A. Eckhold, the referee, said the game had been rough, and he had to caution both teams three times. He came round the scrum, and saw Thomas lunging forward and .M’Ewan with his hands up. He saw the hoof going. hut he could not say the kicking was deliberate. Tho Pall was on his side of the scrum when he saw the kicking. It was not near where the kickin'* was taking place. The player who was doing tho kicking was not Tying on his back. He could not say whether Eckhoff was near Thomas or M’Ewan. Ho did not see a player lying on iha ground. Ho did not see M’Millau lying unconscious on the ground. Tho crnie was not stopped for M’Millan. Ho heard no loud talking—not a word—in that particular scrum. Eckhoff said he had no questions to .Mr Mitchell said ho could not understand the referee saying it was a rough game. He saw’ the game, and did not think b- was so rough. Mr. King said outside the particular incident he saw nothing to take exception to Eckhoff said he was not aware that he could call evidence. He had not received a notification to attend. Mr Brown had toM him to be present, Tho Secretary road n letter he had forwarded on Tuesday of lust week to the secretary of the Zingari dub to bo given to Frkhoff. Eckhoff said he did not f’inlc it was neoessarv lor him to call evidence. The nlayers and witnesses then retired. Tho Chairman road the rule under which a member of the committee had power to ronort a player. In answer to a question. Mr King said be could not swear it was Eckhoff who did the kicking. He inquired tho man’s name arid wrb told ;t was Fckhoft. Me did not intend to take any part in the discussion or to vote.

It was decided to take Eckhoff’s ease first.

Mr Stuart said the first thine they had to consider was whether, after having heard the evidence, they_ were satisfied Eckhoff was guilty of kicking. The Chairman stated, in answer to a question by Mr Brown, that Mr King’s chargo was for “locking at" nn opponent—not “kicking” an opponent. Mr Stuart said ha was satisfied, on the evidence, that Edchoff was guilty of kicking at an Alhambra player. Ho would move to that effect, Mr M'Laren seconded the motion.. Mr Harris said be did not think the motion went far enough. Ho was satisfied that Edchoff had been guilty of “kicking” an Alhambra player. Mr Stuart said he was, prepared to withdraw the word “at” and amend his motion accordingly. Mr Woodrow said the evidence was so conflicting that they were not sure it was inckhoff who had done the kicking. Mr Harris said the evidence of Sutherland and Lawrie was quite clear on the point. Mr t.'avanagh said if it hod not been Edchoff the two placers who had given evidence would have said so. The motion was put and carried unanimously. The Chairman said, in answer to a (jueslion, that Eckhoff had never been cautioned before. They had now to consider the senMr Wilson moved that Eckhoff be suspended to tlie end of this playing, season. Mr Woodrow seconded the motion. He did not think the kick had been very serious. The referee hod said he saw no man on the ground. ' Mr Stuart said Thomas had stated at the •first inquiry that it was the worst thing ho had ever seen, Mr Cavonagh moved as »n amendment that Eckhoff be suspended till the end of the season 1927. Mr Stuart seconded the motion. Mr Brown said he would just like to say anal he thought Eckhoff had always conducted himself in a proper manner on the field. He had spoken to Edchoff on the matter, and he had stated ho had not wilfully kicked anyone. He might have been a little excited at the time. Eckhoff.had been a member of their club for many years and had always been a good club man. Mr Wilson stud Eckhoff had travelled with him as an Otago representative, and he find always conducted himself well. Mr M-Donald said be had also travelled with Eckhoff, and he had conducted himself well. He held no brief, however, for a man’who kicked during a game. Mr M‘Loren spoke on similar linos. He had travelled' with Eckhoff, and had do fault to find with his conduct. ' The amendment was carried by nine votes to Mr gl Nelson moved as a further amendment that Eckhoff be suspended till the end of July, 1926. That was a penalty of two years. He woe not a believer m light sentences for an offence of this nature, but if such a sentence did not cure a player nothing would. Mr Mitchell seconded the amendment. ’Hie amendment was carried. Mr Brown moved as another amendment that Eckhoff be suspended to the end of 1925. , , Mr Wootton seconded the amendment, which was lost, only five .voting for it. Mr Nelson’s amendment was then put and earned. . , ...... .Mr Harris moved that in regard to Thomas the executive take no further action. He did so Ixjoause he believed Thomas s statement that he was trying to push Eekhoff away, and did not deliberately -strike him. Mr Wilson seconded the motion. Mr Stuart said ho thought Thomas punched at the man, but ho considered he was perfectly justified in doing so under the circumstances. Mr Woodrow asked what the committee would do in subsequent cates where a man punched at another player. The motion Was carried without dissent. Tho Chairman: That is the finish of a very unpleasant business. ILLEGAL PLAY AND STRIKING. J. Carey reported having ordered off M. Kindley, a Zingari player, for illegal play and striking an opponent m the fourth Grade match against Kaikorai. • Kindley said he got the ball from » loose - scrum, and passed it out, and the opposing wing forward collared him. He told the Kaikorai man to let go, and as he did not he swung him off and he struck jl u> ground fairly heavily. Ho absolutely denied having struck the Kaikorai player. Tho Referee said the general play was very clean, but there was a lot of talking on both sides prior to the incident, and he had to speak to both teams. Ele thought that the offence justified him in ordering Kindley off. Mr Wootton moved—“ That Kindley’s name be placed on the caittionod list.” Mr Brown seconded the motion. Ho said Kindley was looked on as one of their coming players. He was a captain of his ‘ club, and on two occasions referees had complimented their club on the manner in which Kindley bad controlled his learn. Ho did not believe Kindley had an ounce of vice in him. The motion was carried. DELEGATE TO IMPERIAL HUGEST CONFERENCE. 11. E. Comb?, secretary of the New Zealand Rugby Union, wrote stating that he had been instructed to invito nominations from unions of delegates suitable to represent the union at the Imperial Rugby Conference, to bn held in London. It was unanimously decided to nominate Mr Harris. Members joined in commending tho work of Mr Harris in the interests of ti c game for many years, and expressed the hope that he would be selected as the delegate to represent Now Zealand. GATE RECEIPTS. The Secretary reported that the gate receipts at Garish rook on Saturday had amounted to £l2l Bs, and that thoi receipts from tho University A and B match had come to £67 13s, ECHO OF UNIVERSITY A—PIRATES MATCH. Mr G. M'Kenzie wrote as follows: —“I think it my duty to appear before your committee to-night in reference to the remarks passed by one of tho committee concerning Hie recent report, dealing with me personally.” It will bo remembered that at last week’s meeting of tho committee a letter was received from the Pirates’ Club expressing no confidence in Mr M'Kenzie as a referee, mid asking that he should not be appointed in future in any of the matches in which they were engaged, and that the committee of tho union decided that unless the Pirates’ Club could lay some specific charge against Mr M'Kenzie they could not puss the request of the Pirates’ Club on to the Appointment Board. .Mr King said he thought Mr M‘Kenzi,c should be given the opportunity of appearing before the committee. Mr Woodrow said he did not think any charge had been made against Mr M'Kunzie. Mr Harris said the matter had been discussed by tho committee, and there was no suggestion of no-confidence against Mr M‘Ken:;ie. It would be a waste of time hearing Mr M'Kenzie. Tho committee was not responsible tor tho individual opinions of members of tho committee. Mr Nelson said that Mr McKenzie was really an official appointed by the union to referee in the game. There was no doubt that during the discussion last week members of tho union departed from the spirit of the complaint in the letter. Mr Stuart said surely a member o! the committee was entitled to express his opinion. He was not frightened of anything he bad said. The Chairman said there was no slight on Mr M‘Kcnzie. The committee had taken up the attitude that unless the Pirates’ Club could make a. definite charge against the referee it was not procured to do anything. Me really (bought that the committee's action was a vote of censure on the Pirates’ Club. After further discussion it was agreed to permit Mr M‘Kenzio to come before the committee, a vole that he be heard being carried by a large majority. The Chairman said the members of the committee were entitled to make remarks on general business. He then read the motion come to by the committee. This motion, he maintained, showed they had co’-fide-’cc in Mr M’Kenzie. Mr M'KeT'ie said he wanted to know if Mr Stuart had been correctly reported when ho bad stated nt the meeting of (lie committee of the un ; nn the previous week when the Pirates dub’s complaint was being discussed that the Pirates Club had not received “a fair deal.” Mr Stuart : Yes. Mr M'Kenzie said if they were going to have good football referees must, have tho respect of footballers, and the union and the referees must work in harmony. A man could not have two opinions. Mr Stuart had told him after tho match that he had only one fault to find with the refereeing Tho Chairman said they could take no cognisance of a private conversation. If one or two members of the committee did not see eye to oye with a referee he could not blame the committee as a whole. Mr M'Kenzie said ho had nothing more to say if that was the chairman's ruling. Mr Stuart had distinctly said to him that he had only one fault to find with him, and yot ho had come to the committee meeting of the union and said the Pirates Club had. not received a fair deal.

Mr Stuart said lie could Bon, if on© was -wanted. He aid" ant tarns it was fair to mats statements like that, Mr M'Konae: I maintain that I was an official in the match, and Mr Stuart wsS an official of tho union. Tit© Chairman said the committee had passed a resolution regardeng 1 the'oomjJalat of the Pirates Club. The committee was quit© satisfied with Mr -McKenzie as -a referee, and had done nothing but' wnafi, was in his favour, “Jf ” This closed the disotuoioo, and Mr M'Keasa© then loft the room. ■ OFFICIAL LETTER WANTED. ■'”? The Hon. Secretary of th© Otago* Referees’ Association wrote as follow* :- i “At a meeting of tho Referee*’ Association held on Saturday night the following motion was carried, and I was directed to forward same to you: ‘ this association takes exception to the remarks, as shown in the press reports- of the* O.RF.U.. concerning tho letter from- tshe; Pirates (flub objecting to Mr G. M’Kenzieas referee, and respectfully asks that tip* letter be sent on to this association lot it to deal with.’ ’ 1 A discussion arose whether the request' of the association should be complied 'with; as the committee had already dealt With the complaint. Mr King said he was present at the meeting. The association wanted the official letter. He moved that a copy of the letter bo forwarded to tho association. Mr Strong seconded the motion-. Mr Hams said he did not_ think any good would come from acceding to the request of the association. He took it that the Appointments Board would continue appoint Mr M'Kenzie for matches, either for the Pirates Club or any other club. He moved as an amendment —“That tile first portion of th© resolution regarding the letter from tlie Pirates Club be noted, and that in regard to th© request for a Copy, of the letter the association be informed that the matter had been dealt with, and thia committee considers that no good purpose can bo terved by giving it 'a copy of tha letter asked for.” ■ Mr Oavanagh ssoonded th© amendment. Th© amendment was lost by eight vote* to seven vote:!, and Mr King’s motion (with the addition that a copy Of the resolution passed by the committee _of -the union should be included) was earned. SATURDAY'S GAMES. The following is the Rugby football dilwr for matches on Saturday:— f’ First Grade.—Zingari v. Taieri Rovers, -at Xahuna No. 1 (Mr J, Sutherland); Uaivetsity A v. Alhambra, at Cambroak (Mr R. Tomxice); Union v. Southern, at Bathgate Park (Mr J. Torrance); University B V. Pirates, at Caledonian (Mr Q. Dunedin v. Kaikorai, at Bishopsoourt No.Vl (Mr A. Eckhold). _ >t” Second Grade.—Union ▼. University C, -ph North Ground (Mr A. Wallace); Training College v. Zingari, at MontociUo (Mr R* - Herd); University D v. Kaikorai, atßiaJwfdfccourt No. 2 (Mr W. Jenkins); Southern *£ Dunedin, at Forbury No. 4 (Mr G. M'Kefr-" sic); Pirates v, Ravensboume, at TahudA No. 2 (Mr J. Hiraburg); Alhambra v. Porjt; at Port Chalmers (Mr E. Clancy); Wsj(tlaiori v. Taieri Rovers, at Outcast (Mr u Dallas). IThird Grade.—Green Island v. Pirates A$ at Oval No. 1 (Mr A. H. Wright); Ka3korai v. Dunedin, at Oval No. 2 (Mr Wfc Keanick); Training College v. Y,M.OJU J ifi|l at Forbury No. 9. (Mr J. Hayes); Port t, ■ Union, at Oval No. 8 (Mir J. , i£iggin«on)i, Alhambra B v. Zingari, at Forbury No. 8 (Mr W. M'Neill); Kavensbourne’ v. High School, at Ravensboume (Mr H. C. Wilt liamsou); University E v. Alhambra .A, at", Opoho No. 1 (Hr B. Watson); Pirates B v,! Southern A, at Alexandra. Park (Mr A. Ji; Haub); Y.H.O.A. B v. Southern B, at Bath-{ gate Park, 1.30 (Mr I. Grant). ■- ( J: Fourth Grade. —Port v. M‘Glashas, 'at \ Asylum (Mr F. Clarkson); Pirates v. High I School B, at Asylum, 1.30 (Mr R. Watoon); Alhambra v. Kaikorai A, at Opoho No. 3 (Mr F. S. Porrett); Green Island v. Kaikorai ij, at Green Island (Mr A. Kennedy);- Ziagan v. Dunedin, at Montocillo, 1.30 (Rev. H. Maclean); Southern a bye. Fifth Grade. —Dunedin v. High SohOol D, at Tahuna No. I, 1.30 (Mr C. Williams); Southern v. High School C, at Tahuna .No.. l> 1.80 (Mr V. Swete); Zingari v. Taieri Rovers, nt Mosgiel. (Mr W. Rowland); Y.M.C.A, ,yi Union, Union by default; Grech Island v. Port, Port by default; Alhambra “fi Pirate®, at Carisbrook, 1.30 (Mr F. Lee). President's Grade. —Port v. High School L, at Port Chalmers, 2 p.m. (Mr B. Tilley* short); Pirates v. High School F, at Oval No. 3, 3.80 (Mr L. Galbraith); Technical t. Southern, et Caledonian, 1.30 (Mr J. Coulter); Alhambra v. Dunedin, at Opoho. No. 1, 1.80 (Mr A. J. Peat); Zingari v. Green Island, at Green loland, 1.45 (Mr H. ill : Smith;. Seacliff fixture (Mr J. King); Dunback fixture (Mr J. Aitchieon). In the event of Carisbrook end Caledonian being unfit, the Carisbrook curtain-raiser will' be played at Oval No. 1 at 1.80, arid tho Caledonian curtain-raiser on Oval No. 3 at WO. 1 REFEREES ON STRIKE. . RUGBY UNION”SECTION RESENTED. OFFENDING PLAYERS TOO LENIENTLY TREATED. (Pjsb United Pbess Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Jtme 50. ’ The Rugby football referees in North' Taranaki are on strike. Recently several players have been reported to the union, and the referees resent what they regard as lenient treatment. The referees discussed the matter to-night and carried the following resolution:—“Thct the Taranaki Rugby Union, by its continued leniency to offenders, having made it increasingly difficult for referees to control matches, th© members of this association decide that until we are assured by, the Management Committee of the Rugby Union that adequate punishment will bo meted out to players ordered off, no further matches will be taken by members of this division of Uiis association.” It was also decided to circularise the controlling body and the southern divisions of the Taranaki Referees’ Association with copies of the resolution. ALL BLACKS IN AUSTRALIA. THE NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM. I’rt*» Association— By Telegraph — Copyright SYDNEY. June 30. The following -team has been choean tti represent Now Sou If x Wales against tho AH Blacks on Saturday:—Full back, . Toby;| throe-quarters—Grossman, Wogan, Stanley, Smith, Morrissey (one to be omitted); fivopighth, Sheehan; half, A. Walker; forwards—Davis, Blackwood, Ritchie, Bonner, Fox, Thorn, Hoskins, Greatorox. COALS OF FIRE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, June 30. (Received Juno 70, at 9 p.nu) Tho English Rugby League team, prion to its departure for ilia North Coast, issued a message of weloome to the All Blocks, regretting their inability to meet them and wid ling them a successful tour. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY TEAM. THE NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY. free* Association —Bv Telegraph—Copyright! WELLINGTON, Juno 20. • The Sydney University teem which tours New Zealand in August and September is stated to be very strong. It nt present leads for th© Sydney championship. The itinerary of tho New Zealand tear now arranged is follows; — August 3.—Against New Zealand University (first test), at Auckland. August 27.—Against Canterbury College, at Christchurch. August 30. —Against New Zealand University (second test), at Christchurch; September 3.—Against Otago University, at Dunedin. September 6. —Against New Zealand' UfiSveraitv, at Dunedin (third test). September 10. —Against Victoria College, at Wellington. MANIOTOTO SUB-UNTON. Tho following- are tho results of Saturday's mutches:— . i. First Grade —Ranfu-rly 6, Naseby 3. L Second Grade.—Ranfurly 11. Pateavoa 3;' Ginnnorburn 9, Hyde 6; Kyebum 9, Ida Valley 8. . . THE LEAGUE GAME. ■ STAGING FOR CULLING PARK, Mr Dunning, architect, lias drawn - plane ) for a staging at Culling Park whidi is 11 estimated to accommodate 6000 people. The plans have been drawn to the order of the League Rugby Football outboritiew, who have in view the playing a match there between the English team- and a, New Zealand team. It has not yet been deca'decl, however, -whether the work of constructing tlie staging will lie gone on with.