FOOTBALL MATCHES.

Southland Times, Issue 19345, 10 September 1924, Page 9

FOOTBALL MATCHES.

To the Editor. Sir, —I notice in to-day’s issue of your paper a letter signed “Sufferer,” complaining of the inactivity of the police in keeping order at Rugby Park. I cannot agree with the remarks made by “Sufferer,” I have been a constant attender at the Park during this and past seasons, and must say that the police have carried out their duties tactfully and well, and have always suppressed any attempts which may have been made towards rowdyism of any kind. The police also deserve to be very highly commended for the efficient manner in which they control the traffic in the Parle, and I|fail to see in what manner any blame can be attached to them for the unseemly conduct which apparently happened on Saturday. It might interest “Sufferer” to know hat the powers of the police in cases such as that mentioned by him are limited, and that they would have no right to arrest any individual occupying a seat in the stand unless they actually heard the offensive language, or see any conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. If “Sufferer” wishes the alleged offender punished, I have no doubt that if he complains to the police, and is prepared to produce evidence in support of his complaint, the police will take the matter up for him, or, if he so wishes, he can take out an information himself, and have the offender brought before the Magistrate and punished.—l an), etc.. SPECTATOR.