FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 61

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BI FULL BACK. If one really must go from home fo{ news, it is well that one is correctly ad« vised. A special correspondent in a London paper has it on excellent authority that the New Zealand Rugby Union w anxious to send a team to England next season (1911-1912). It is impossible thai tho English Union will give approval to the suggestion. Possibly the "special corny, spondent" has heard of the suggestion to send a Maori team to England. So far as is "known, the New Zealand Union has no idea of despatching another "All Black", team. I had a ohat with W. Johnston, the Wigan forward, during the week in respect to the progress of the League in Now Zealand (writes "Forward,"* in the Athletie News). Jobnston i s most optimistic as regards the future of the Northern Union game, and declares that the clubs already, established were much stronger when- he left than at the commencement of .the season, and additions are being made eaob, week. He did not see the tourists in New, Zealand, but regrets that time did not permit the team playing at least two games in the South Island. Had this been done Johnston is certain that the outlook for the Rugby Union would havo been really serious.

Apropos of the suggestion from New South Wales to make tho Rugby game 14 aside, "W. Li 5.," in the Athletic News, writes:—"Tt is all a matter of taste. With fifteen players on their side—a seven-men pack certainly—the original "All Blacks" showed us just as open, clever, and interesting football as has been practised at any time by either of the unions, and what was possible from the New Zealandors, and in slightly less degree from the South Africans, should bo possible from other te?.ms. The Australians did not strike Englishmen as being nearly so clever as Maorilanders or Springbokken. But do not let Australasian critics harp further on that well-worn string regarding the alleged "old fogeyism" and "conservatism" of the legislators of the Motherland. The laws of the game here in the United Kingdom are, as I havo said, quite good enough foo tho men who aro playing under them. These men and the legislators are not fools.' They aro men of intelligence and of sound commonsenso, and, after all, they havo a following which is many times greater than that of Queensland, or even of Northern Rugby Union. Let us bo fair. 1 Tho laws of the Rugby Union suit Rugby Union folk; tho rules of the Northern Rugby Union suit Northern Rugby Union people. That can bo granted; but I cannot for tho life of mo see any room for a hybrid game with fourteen players aside! practising such laws of the Rugby Union! or of the Northern Rugby Union as best suit them."

Mr George Harnett, manager cf the last British taam to New Zoalarxl. has be>n advocating- tho spirit of Imperialism for the development of tho ideas of Australia, and New Zealand. The Athletic News doea; not like it, and somewhat bitterly remarks:; " The rules of the frame must be transmogrified—not to suit England cr Ireland or Wales or Scotland, who seem quite satisfied with them—not to suit South Africa,who suggest no reforms, but to satisfy Australia, and, in less degree, New Zealand,' coloaics where tho ■ authorities aro frightened cut of their very wfts by the development of the Northern Rugby Union game, and where the cry i.s for such innovations as will turn attention anew to tho Rugby Union sport in Australasia. "But why should' every whim of colonial claimants or legislators be gratified? In Rugby Union football we want a game which can bo played bv everybody, which is not too fast for the schoolboys, but which in perfected form can be nlayed at top-speed by the accomplished footballer. That is not the consideration in tha colonies. It is not the gamp which is the prime reckoning; it i.s the crowd. Never mind the comfort of the players; attract the spectators, that is the idea. Never mind though the by-laws and laws of tho game are turned upside down; so long ta the form of entertainment i 6 popularised all is well. "Tho laws of the game have not been materially altered since last year. They are good enough for us. Let them, then; do for the Australians, and hang the spirit of Imperialism, which promises to deprive tho people of good, sensible snort." Tho members of tho Knglieh Northern Union team which toured Australia and visited Auckland have been interviewed since their return Home on their trip. They eulogiVe the game in Australia, but state that the Australians are poor sports. On the other hand, the New .Zealar.ders met in Auckland 1 are spoken of in tho warmest praise. Tbe following is typical:— "All I can say is that the Australians have a lot to learn in regard to sportsmanship. Tho officials are all right, but the players did not treat !;•; with the same hospitality we extended in tho All Blfeks and Kangaroos hero. Do not .misund"rstand me: I am only speaking of their conduct off the field. In New Zealand they were quite the reverse, and did all they could. Tho players were always with ns. New Zea» land is a place to our liking, *nd we had

a great time up at Rotorua. We saw most wonderful sights, and it even beats WakefiokPfor scenery. The New Zealaaders are not so far advanced in the game as are ifae Australians, but I can tell you this —they are playing to the rules, and you see there the real Northern Union game." ,