THE WELLINGTON R.F.U. AND "FORWARD."

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 29

THE WELLINGTON R.F.U. AND "FORWARD."

TO THE FOOTBALL EDITOR OTAGO WITNESS.

Sib,— My attention baa been drawn to some remarks of your contributor "Forward" in your issue of 3rd July. One portion' of bis article aocuseß the Wellington Rugby Union of having absolutely shirked their responsibility with regard to the alleged oases of professionalism in the early part of the year. "Forward's " opinions may be accepted as the ethics of football in his own village, but I take the liberty of pointing out that . the result of an exhaustive inquiry into evidence which "Forward" never heard or saw, will be aooepted as more satisfactory to an intelligent public than his rash and ill-advised assertions. It is nothing more than an illustration of the old proverb with regard to a certain olass of individuals not distinguished for wisdom rush* ingin where ancther olass faar to tread, His other statement that the Wellington Union dealt with the question of Mr Gage playing in the ohampionship matches without hearing that gentleman is simply untrua. The committee called Mr Gage before them and heard his statement.

In oonolusioD, I would like to say that if "Forward "has the interests of the grand old Rugby game at heart, which I presume is the case, I would advise him not to indulge in the reprehensible praotioa of barking at the ruling authorities in football matters These bodies have delioate and difficult functions to perform and their duties are not lightened when sporting writers, in order, to pander to ignorant feelings, attack them in the unreasonable manner referred to,— Yourß truly, J. M. King.

Wellington, July 11.