OTAGO RUGBY UNION."

Otago Witness, Volume 02, Issue 2420, 2 August 1900, Page 50

OTAGO RUGBY UNION."

; Tlie weekly meeting of the O.R.F.U. Committee was held on Monday. The ( re were present — Messrs Wilson (president), Morris, JSutohison, Macassey, M'Laren, Ross, Duncan, and Campbell. On the recommendation of the subcommittee appointed to consider "the question of the northern tour, it was decided that -the original programme of matches be adhered to. In connection with the match Southern Third V. Dunedin Third, letters -were read from the secretaries of the Dunedin and Southern Clubs, and it was de : cided' that the match should be played at the .end of the season. The Secretary reported that' the Southern Second had failed to play on July 21, and that the fine had not been paid. The secretary was instructed to inform the secretary of the club thatrtheir team would not be allowed to play next Saturday unless the fine bfe 'previously paid". The Secretary reported that no replies had been received from Lawrence, Naseby, and Roxburgh to his inquiries re accommodation for J>n Otago tram visiting these places. This fact seemed to indicate to the committee that the country clubs were not anxious for the visit, but it was decided to defer further conjiideration until next meeting. In connection with the protest of the Ravensbourne Club against the match. Alhambra Second y~. Raveusbourna being awarded to the former .club, on, thefe ground that they had played J. Roddick without his having obtained the (necessary transfer, a letter was received from :fche Alhambra Club- stating that Roddick was .an did member of the" Alhambra Club, and -that application had been -made -by "him to -«nab'e Roddick to play. The committee de- - cided " that •as Roddick, was not eligible -to play for the- Alhambra team, the match be declared void, and that the Flag Committee , make - arrangements for playing the match 'over again. The Secretary of the Auckland Union.wrote asking if thfr Otago Union would ■concur 'in an application being made tovthe .N"ew Zealand. Union to ' appoint an- outside teferee for the" Otago v. Auckland "match.

The committee decided that they could not agree io the request, but the secretary was instructed to write to the unions interested asking if they would request the New Zealand Union to submit the names of referees available for the matches to be played by the Otago team, with the view to a selection being made. The Secretary reported that he had received a letter from the Tokomairiro Football Club asking for permission to play the Balclutha Club on July 21, and that, acting on the decision of ths committee in connection with a similar application, and after consultation with several members of committee, he had written to say that permission could not be granted. The secretary's action was confirmed. Permission was granted to the Post and Telegraph departments to use the Caledonian ground for their annual match. Letters were received from the Alhambra and Union Clubs asking for assistance towards improving their grounds, and it was decided 1 " to lay both requests before the special meeting of delegates. Permission was granted to the High School First Fifteen to travel to Christchurch to play their annual match with Christ's College, and Mr F. H. Campbell was approved as manager. The Secretary of the Schools' Football Association wrote- -asking the union to make some recognition of the winner of the schools' competition. It was decided to award a pennant to the winner of the schools' competition annually, conditions to be drawn up by the Schools' Association and to be submitted to the O.R.F.U. Committee.