SUPPORT FOR REFEREE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26781, 26 May 1948, Page 3

SUPPORT FOR REFEREE

SEQUEL TO INCIDENT ON SATURDAY UNION EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE Strong exception to incidents which allegedly took place after the senior Rugby match between Excelsior and Athletic at the Oval on Saturday was expressed by Mr W. Berry at a meeting of the North Otago Rugby Football Union last night. Certain persons had approached the referee, Mr F. Williamson, after the game and made abusive remarks to him, said Mr Berry. This was common knowledge in Oamaru and he moved that Mr Williamson be asked to submit the names of the people concerned so that the Rugby Union could take action. “Mr Williamson is a good sport and told me that he did not wish any action taken.” said Mr J. Macmillan. “ That is no reason why a referee should be subjected to abuse," said Mr Berry. ” The union should act to prevent any similar actions in the future.” Although he had not seen the whole match, he knew that there had been some hooting at one stage, said Mr R. Allan. It was reasonable to assume that followers of the game knew something of the rules and would not boo without cause. Other members stressed that the players themselves were the best of friends but that relations between the supporters of different clubs and club officials were not so amicable. Mr H. • Cross, secretary of • the North Otago Rugby Referees’ Association, said that his association did not desire any action to be taken. Mr Berry's motion was then put to the meeting and lost. “ I am disappointed with the spirit of the game in Oamaru,” said the president, Mr D. S. Loder. “ Some people have been acting in a way detrimental to Rugby in. North Otago. Every effort should be made to squash moves in this direction. We should value the game above the prize." Mr Loder added that he had never heard anything but praise for Mr Williamson's work as a referee. The meeting carried a motion expressing the utmost confidence in Mr Williamson and in all other North Otago referees. It was resolved that the annual Town v. Country match be played in Oamaru on June 5, with both A and B teams taking part. A grant of £2O was made towards the United Nations appeal for children. Those present at the meeting were Messrs Loder. Berry, Cross, A. R. Low, Macmillan, J. Benson, J. Firman, S. Arscott, A. T. Francis, W. Budd. R. L. Brown. Allan and H. N. Strachan.