THE FOOTBALL SMOKO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27523, 18 October 1950, Page 8

THE FOOTBALL SMOKO

Sir,—Unfortunately, most of the remarks of your correspondent “ Satiated ** on the above subject are true. I would, however, disagree with the final assertion, “ Take away the drinking from football and there would be no football,” and substitute, “ Take away the drinking from football and there would be far better football." The trouble lies in the fact that many of our younger players are easily led, and feel out of it if they do not drink with their friends—indeed, they are practically looked upon as outcasts. If the senior players of a club were to make an effort to discourage excess drinking their example would soon be followed by the more youthful element. In addition, if the organisers of a “ smoko ” • were to calculate their supplies of beer so as to allow three or four drinks to each man, instead of between 10 and 20, then the question of who is going to drink the surplus would not arise, and I feel sure that all but a few would be quite satisfied.—l am. etc.. Moderation.