FOOTBALL

Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 8

FOOTBALL

RUGBY

BY

FULL-BACK.

FIXTURES. OTAWg NOBTHEBN TOUB. deptci&taf- tr *IUy Canterbury at Christchurch. fiepv«wu’iftr l-~-F!ay Hawke’s Bay at Napier, tteputcibftr i2- -Play Wellington at Wellington, flepiamber 16.—Play Wairarapa at Carterton. PAYNE TBOPHY MATCH. Angvt 29.—Between the premier teams of Dviedin and Ohristohuroh, at Chrißtohurch. NEW SOUTH WALES TOUB. August 29.—Otago and Southland at Dunedin. O'*!go r. Southland dates not yet fixed. - There is a movement in certain parts of the dominion to jettison the name “All Blacks,” and.refer to our teams as “New Zealand” teams. This is a change which I suggested some time ago should be made, tn future I shall endeavour always to refer to Now Zealand teams as “New Zealand” teams. The Dunedin selectors (Messrs Stuart, Mitchell, and M'Donald) have nominated Wise (Pirates) and Diokson (University) as worthy of inclusion in the team which is to tour New South Wales this season. Both players should certainly find a place in the New Zealand team, which is to be picked on May 16. Williams, M'Medking, and one or two others whose claims for inclusion wero also second to none, were unable to got away to make the trip. However, if Wise and Dickson are included in the New Zealand team—and 1 say again their football ability justifies their inclusion—Otago will be worthily represented. I may add that players in the 1924-25 New Zealand team are not to be included In the team which is to visit New South Wales. The Otago Rugby Union has been notified by the New Zealand Rugby Union that the English Rugby Union has granted permission for New Zenland and New South Wales to play away from the rule regarding a penalty kiok at gt>al. In future players out here taking a penalty kick may plaoe the ball themselves. There does not Con to bo any reason why there should ye been so muafc argument over the point before the English Union agreed to pant the dispensation referred to the New Zealand and New South Walet Rugby Unions. It is not a very material matter. Fcmonally, I would sooner have a placer

putting the ball down for me. You certainly get a better line on the goal posts. The publio maybe will get tired of a penalty goal-kicker who places the ball himself, and spends several minutes before he gets it set to his satisfaction. Hawke’s Bay will be called upon to defend challenges for the Ranfurly Shield from Canterburyr, Southland, Taranaki, Otago, and Auckland, and maybe Wellington, if the holders are still m possession after playing the first five provinces mentioned. Reference to the amusement tax was made in the annual report of the New Zealand Rugby Union as follows: “Your union has followed up this matter very closely, and is pleased to report that there is a prospect of all amateur sporting bodies being relieved from the payment of thi9 tax.’ 7 A thrilling duel between two top-hole Rugby three-quarters developed when Linwood met Christchurch (says “Onlooker” in the Christchurch Star). There was a hint of big business ahead when the Christchurch skipper shifted Robilliard from left wing early in the game so that he, and not Qowlishaw, should mark the tricky and elusive Linwood man. The firsrt spell passed without anything more significant than a number of electrio bursts by each player, and as many deadly tackles. Half-time saw honours even. In the second spell Elvy outpointod his opponent almost everywhere. His first try was a flashing run that left Robilliard and the Christchurch fullback helpless and oonfused. They had clutched something, but it was not Elvy. His next try was a ripping mixture of sprint, dodge, and dive. Lancaster Park has seldom seen anything better. Says the football writer of the Wellington Dominion: “Bofore the New Zealand team left New Zealand shores last year, Porter was acclaimed a 9 one of the greatest wing-forwards New Zealand had ever produced. To-day he is a very ordinary player indeed, and it is not difficult to understand why Parker was preferred in the later internationals on the tour. The fact is that the New Zealand captain put on weight on the voyages to and from England, and he is still carrying a good deal of superfluous avoirdupois. If he does not get busy with Indian clubs and skipping rope, he will certainly not get a place in the Wellington representative team this season.” At the last meeting of the Country Football Committee (says the Oamaru Mail) a letter was received from Mr O. R. Wise, offering to make a donation toward a cup for competition between Palmerston District ana Waitakl. It was held over for further consideration after consultation with the sub-union. The Country Committee is

seeking constitutional recognition as a subunion, and it would seem the time is ripe for the formation of a North Otago Union with Oamaru, Waitaki, Waihemo (Palmerston), and perhaps Waimate as associated sub-unions with an inter-district competition. The main argument against continued touring was launched by Mr Harry Frost at the annual meeting of the N.Z.R.U. Ho said: “There is another aspect of these tours that I want to mention. While they are a wonderful experience for the men who take part in them, they mean giving up work for many months on end, and under present conditions this means very heavy expense. I am sure players out here—nearly all being ordinary working men—cannot afford either the time or the money to make such trips often. In my opinion it would be a great mistake to think seriously about further long trips under existing conditions for some time. This applies to the proposed visit to South Africa. I am aware that public opinion here in some quarters is in favour of such a trip, and probably our South African friends would welcome it, too. But I think that we have to consider, not so much the honour and glory of the Rugby world championship, but the interests of our own players first of all, and I. hold that it would be a mistake to suggest that the New Zealand team should take up the burden of representing us again across the sea so soon; while to send an inferior team would probably bo disastrous.” Dear “Full Back,”—lt seems a pity with so many good, inside backs this year University does not do a bit of experimenting. Mitcholl, for instance, is up to the best traditional Light Blue standard, and seems as good in defence and kicking as Sinclair, and is also one of the few local backs whose ground fielding is sound. Jb. Gilberd seems as fast and dashing as suen bygone ernoks as Harris. Blundell, and Ward, all of whom left their five-eighth position to become more than ordinary interprovincial wing, three-quarters.—Otagoite. In my opinion there are not many good inside five-eiphths playing this season. Inside Slay is whore Dunedin football is weak. loreover, I do not agree with other statements in my correspondent’s letter. It is now :evealed by St. Helens Rugby Football Club that Gore, the Valaina international. who has joinod Salford, and who played for Wales pgainst Franco, Ireland, England, and New Zealand, was actually c registered professional player with Bt. Helens all the time he was gaining international amateur honours. The Natal Rugby Union would have South Africa undertake another Rugby tour—either invite New Zealand to South

Africa or take a trip to England.' For the tune being South Africa wants neither (writes the South African correspondent of the London Sportsman). We want a long re£t from international fray, not only in Rugby, but in other sports. Since the war South Africa seems to have gone mad on touring, and this may be one reason why instead ot making progress in breeding better and more athletes and footballers. South Africa has taken a backward step in producing the talent. More time needs to be spent on home affairs. At present our Rugby, in spite of the claims of many optimists, is not all that it ought to bo, and the last tour revealed many weaknesses and drawbacks which must be remedied. South Africa must not thinfc of Rupbv tours for three or four years, by which time we shall have had the opportunity to rebuild our Rugby on the lines of old. We have a reputation to uphold, and it would Ixj folly to unaertake trips or receive teams from other countries when it is acknowledged that our Rugby at the present period is not of the high standard attained before the war. I think it can be taken for granted that South Africa will not indulge in a Rugby tour for at least four or five years. It appears that the proposal that members of the 1924-25 New Zealand team should not be eligible for the tour to New South Wales this season has been dropped. There was, I should say, no reason why it should have been. M'Donald, the Otago University and Otago wing three-quarter, is playing for Pirates (Invercargill). E. A. Beiliss, ono of New Zealand’s best players in recent years, is just as keen as ever. He is playing for his old club, Hautapu, at Taihape. Steel, New Zealand’s representative wing three-quarter, was out with Star in the opening games on the West Coast. ANNUAL MEETING BUSINESS. The following is a summary of the more important matters which came before the delegates at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union:— The “extra” tour to New South Walos this season was agreed to in view of thd fact that the Management Committee had committed itself. Delegates, however, did not agree to the committee’s suggestions that players who recently returned from the English tour should not participate in the tour to New South Wales. It was decided to extend an invitation to the French Rugby Federation to send a team to New Zealand next year. An indication was given that there was little prospect of a British team visiting New Zealand for a few years. Tlie proposed visit to South Africa was postponed until 1928 at the earliest The needs of the country districts were stressed, an agreement being reached that as much assistance as possible should be given. Some country delegates indicated that unless there was assistance this season the position would be very poor next season, the outlook in ono part being particularly bad Instructions were given that the rule 9 in connection with the Moascar Cup competition be revised. It was indicated that there was little hope of a tour by a Maori team being acceptable to the English Rugby Union. The incoming committee was instructed, to confer with Mr W. T. Parata regarding the Rose Bowl matches for Maori teams. This year’s match is to be played in Wellington during Fleet Week. A grant of £SOO for the encouragement of school football was authorised. An endeavour by Wellington to have the voting powers of the stronger unions increased was unsuccessful. The idea was to make the maximum similar to that which had operated prior to the adoption of the present rule, which gives unions with, say, as many as 150 teams onlv the same voting powers as unions with 90 teams. A decision was made that in future reinstated players are to be eligible for New Zealand teams. Regarding calls for special general meetings, it was decided that the requisition be signed by five unions instead of three. Existing conditions in connection with Ranfurly Shield matches were allowed to stand, though intimation was given that a move would be made at the next annual meeting for a return to the original lulo providing for all challenge matches to be played on the ground of the holders. A recommnedation wa9 made to the incoming committee that a special fund be established for subsidising visits of representative teams to outlying country districts. The subject of replacements of players was discussed, but nothing was done in the way of laying down a definite ruling for New Zealand. Reports in regard to the Imperial Conference were received, and confirmation of the proposed by-laws of the Imperial Rugby Football Advisory Board (as submitted by the two New Zealand delegates) was left to the executive. It was considered inadvisable to send last year’s New Zealand team on tour through the dominion this season. The opinion was expressed that the term “All Blacks” should not be applied to future New Zealand teams. The committee was empowered to deal with a proposal regarding insurance of players. NEW SCOTTISH GROUND. Accommodation for 100.000 people has been provided at Murrayfield, the new homo of Scottish Rugby, and the ground is easily the largest and most up-to-date Rugby enclosure in Great Britain, if not in the world. On the terraced embankment, which rises to 57 tiers, 80,000 people will be able to watch a match in comfort, while there will be room for 8200 ticket-holders in the stand. The ground, which is three times the size of Inverleith, was opened on the occasion of the Scotland v. England match. Not much more than half of the 19 acres is taken up by the playing pitch, stands, and embankment. A roadway 39 feet wide encircles the perimeter of the embankments, and there aro spacious roadways within the grounds leading to different points of access to tho playing fieN. Later it is hoped to use part of the available vacant space within the boundary railings as a parking ground for motor cars, and work on this section of the ground is still being carried on. Those responsible for the lay-out of tho ground have given attention to the question of providing spectators with an easy way of reaching the particular part of tho embankment on which they wish to take up their position. The tiers of terracing aw accordingly approached by concrete steps on the outside slope.

Crush barriers have been provided on the stairs and terraces. They consist of stout concrete posts and steel Tho possibility of accidents through crushing has therefore been reduced to a minimum. Between the stand and the north and south embankments, there is at each end » 20 feet wide road entering directly to the field. Probably the most up-to-date struOture of its kind in the world, the stand, which is fully 330~ feet long and 100 feel wide, is built on a slight curve concave to the field. The height lo the eaves is fully 50 feet, and to the ridge 77 feet. It covers an area of about three quarters of an acre. Thero are three separate floors in the building, including the ground floor, and an tiPMt floor connected with the press gallery. Eaon of these three main floors have corridors running the whole length of the building, with six accesses each to the seating aocommodation of the stand. There are, therefore, 18 blocks of seats in all, with an average capacity of about 500 each. The structure is absolutely fireproof, aa with the exception of the folding Feats, the doors, and windows it is entirely constructed of steel, concrete, and brickwork A clear and uninterrupted view may ie had from every point of the stand. The seating accommodation is laid out in three slopes, increasing* from the front to the back, and this novel method of arrangement ensures an excellent view, and at the same time improves sight distance. The whole structure is a striking example of what can be done in the way of rapid construction, as it has been erected within five months. The principal entrances are on the east side of the ground, facing Roseburn street and Damhead road. Folding and rolling gates have been provided here, along with 24 turnstiles, so that there should be no need f° r spectators to stand in long queues awaiting their turn to get in. Across a new road which has been made on the east side of the grounds, and which is continued by another new road through Roseburn public park to the north end of Roseburn street, there are also folding gates, to be used as exits only. . Latei ’ information states that on the occasion of the match between Scotland and England there was evidently bad staff work somewhere, for although the accommodation is over 80,000, and the attendance wae nearly 20,000 less, the gates had to be shut soon after the game started, and thousand* were turned away—a thing that never happened at Raeburn place. THE TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. , „ . WELLINGTON, May 13. lne following Wellington players have been nominated for the New Zealand Rugby : ~ Porter> Sven son, Walters, Goodall, Ihomas, and Hawkins; and J. Donald, Booth, Jury, and Fairbrother (Wairarapa). „ WESTPORT, May 13. t e .,? l^er Union has nominated L. Griffiths, R. Tunnicliffe, V. Godall, and A. Lockey for the New Zealand team. MANAGER APPOINTED. WELLINGTON, May 13. Mr E. M‘Kenzie (Wairarapa) was appointed to manage the New Zealand team m Australia next month. It was decided to invite France to send a team for 25 matches in 1926. MAORI TEAM’S TOUR. WELLINGTON, May 13. “ The Zealand Rugby Union has first call on players, the provincial unions have second call, and the clubs third call.” This was laid down by Mr S. S. Dean at to-night’s meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union. The remark was called forth by an emphatic protest entered by the Hawke's Bay -Union against the proposed Maori tour, as unduly interfering with representative, The union was committed to an extensive programme, and should it be drawn upon by the Maori Advisory Board, would have to consider whether all representative matches during tlie tour of the Maori team should not be cancelled. Mr S. S. Dean: I understand that Mr W. T. Parata (Maori selector) counts on Nepia, Paowai, Gemraell. Welker, Falwaaser, and Mill. A Member: It will Be hard on Hawke’* Bay. Mr E. Wylie suggested that the Maori Advisory Board should be written to and asked to submit the methods of selection, assembling, and cost of this, and the financial arrangements to the New Zealand Union. Mr Dean: Personally. I am right against this tour through the South Island. Mr A. 0. Kitto: Then why beat about the bush? , _. Mr Dean: We had this tour for the first time in 1922 Those accounts we were getting in 1924. The second tour was # in 1923, and again we bad accounts coming in at all times. The treasurer will tell vou that he had great difficulty in getting the accounts straightened out. As Mr Parata asked at the annual meeting, who 1* running these matches? He evidently thought that we • were, and we thought that he was. Well, we should run them. The position has not been satisfactory. Mr Fletchev went up to Hawke s Bav in 1923 when the Te Mori rose bowl match was on, and could not, get satisfaction, and we had accounts rolling in for about, two year* afterwards. They seem to blow about the countrv as they wish. - Mr E. M'Kenzie: Mnoris get consideration in the New Zealand representative teams, and that, should be sufficient Mr Dean: Yes, that’s so. Mr Paratal always says look at the money vou’re making, but when it comes to a pinch we we not making money. , . Mr A. C. Fit to pointed out that the letter to the Maori Advisory Board as suggested might s-em to convoy the union* as«ent to the tour. Therefore it was derifle,] to ad.l to the letter tl;» rMoinent that in tho opinion of th n union the tour should not take place tlm Year owintr to the large programme of international, inr terprovineiul, and club fixtures. f'ONTRO T OF ’l.lE GAME. WELLINGTON. Mnv 13. “Here’s the position. The English' Union, instead of setting up an Imperial Adivosrv Board on which we would have proper representation, wants a conference, said Mr S. P. Dean. Mr E. Wylie: If it is a conference with* out legislative function it will not be much' U Mr Dean: That is exactly what it will be. and I must say that I am extremely disappointed. Theso words were uttered at the New Zenland Rugby Union when «dvice was received from the English Union

stating that it was not desirable that an Imperial Advisory Board should be formed on the lines suggested by New Zealand, but it was advisable that an Imperial Rugby Football Conference should be held at intervals of not less than three years, in the months of November or December, to consider any suggested amendment of the laws of the game and the rulings thereunder; al»o “that it was desirable that* when practicable, representatives of the colonies should then be living in the colony they represent.” This conference should ho held in London, and it was proposed that tho first conference should be held in 1927 and he called by the socretary of the International Board, the expenses of all representatives attending to be borne by their respective unions. The members of the conference should consist of the members of the International Board and of two representatives each from New Zealand, New South Wales, and South Africa. This action had been taken on the recommendation of the International Board.

A Member: So the Imperial Advisory Board'has gone by the board. Mr Doan: Here is the position. On the Internationa] Board the English Union has four votes. This is because it has affiliated to it New Zealand, New South Wales, and South Africa, and looks after our interests. This resolution was brought forward at the Imperial Conference by the Australian representatives. Dr W. J. Brown and Mr A. C. Wallace. After consultation with us we decided to hang off and let them bring it down, because we believed that we would got better results. Mr Dean referred to the expense of sending two representatives sucfi a long way for so little. This conference would be just about as abortive as it seemed the previous one would be. Finally he said: “I think that the time i« coming when this union and the New South Wales Union will have to consider whether it will not withdraw its affiliation with the English Rugby Union.’’ Mr C. Mullany: “Hear, hear.”

Mr T. Fletcher: I woultfh’t mind if they would be honest., but they seem to flatter you while you are in the country, and then, os soon as you are out of it, to slam the door in your face. Mr Mullany; It is time that a move was made if that is the way they go on. It was decided to appoint a subcommittee consisting of Messrs Dean, Wylie, Kitto, and Fletcher to draft a reply to tho English Rugby Union and to send the letter to Mr S. F. Wilson, the New Zealand representative at the Imperial Rugby Conference, for his opinion.