EASTERN DISTRICTS RUGBY UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 14

EASTERN DISTRICTS RUGBY UNION

ro THE EDITOR Sir,—The Eastern Districts Rugby Football Sub-union has directed the clubs under its control to take a vote on the question whether the sub-union should join the North Otago Union or remain under the control of the Otago Rugby Union. The proposed change, in my opinion, would be utterly foolish and it is very difficult to imagine any reason for it. All the districts concerned—Dunback, Palmerston, Waikouaiti, Merton, Seacliff, and Watea, with the exception, perhaps of the last-named club, which is situated at Hampden—are all closely associated with Dunedin in business, sport and sentiment. It is, I suppose, safe to say that there are very few hemes in these places that have not family connections in that city. The Dunedin public is well-known for its enthusiastic support of Rugby football. The Otago Union is one of the major unions of the Dominion, the members of which are men whose experience and ability are second to none in New Zealand. On the other hand, North Otago is quite a minor union. One fails to see the advantage in the proposal either to Oamaru or to Eastern District, as Oamaru people are not keen supporters of Rugby football, and are not by any means Rugby-minded. Consequently their union is not financially strong. As an old player and as one who has always tried to take an intelligent interest in the management of the game, I hope that all members will attend the meetings of their respective clubs and give this question their serious attention. I believe it is only by the apathy of members and supporters that this absurd proposal has a possibility of being adopted. I have reason to believe it is the intention of the Otago Union to send a combined Otago sub-unions team on tour to the West Coast this coming season. Everyone does not realise that the Otago Union pays all the expenses of these tours. The tour of the Otago sub-unions team in 1936 cost the Otago Union in the vicinity of £2OO. Could the North Otago Union do this? I doubt it. I am one of those who think that sub-unions should pay more attention to their flag fixtures and to the general rank and file of players and I consider it is a pity that the' members of the sub-union have taken this uncalled-for action instead of getting on with the business of successfully managing and fostering the game in their own district and working amicably with the very fine body with which they are at present connected. I _ say that quite respectfully and advisedly. I would like to say that I have no axe to grind, but I have a keen desire for the good management and progress of the game,—l am, etc., Clean Play. Dunback, February 3.