RUGBY FOOTBALL

Southland Times, Issue 21361, 6 April 1931, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

REFEREES’ CONFERENCE. NEED FOR UNIFORM RULES. (Per United Press Association.) Hamilton, April 4. At the annual conference of Rugby referees reference was made to the British tour. Mr D. McKenzie was of opinion from a referee's standpoint that the tour was an epoch-making one. The executive had sought from the inception to secure a uniform interpretation of the laws of the game throughout the Dominion. The tour seemed to put the matter to the test. That the conception of the New Zealand Union and Association was on the right lines was proved by the fact that British players were never at a loss to understand interpretation of referees in matches. Thera were points of difference —and these were matters of agreement—as to whether interpretations as given by the New Zealand rules were not better in the spirit of the laws than those practised in England. It seemed New Zealand would fall into line with the rules of the International BoardThe speaker considered a golden opportunity was missed in failing to arrange a conference to discuss rules and interpretations with Mr Baxter, manager of the British team. Such a conference would have brought near the day when the same Rugby would be played the world over. The following officers were elected: President, Mr C. Eyre (Dunedin); committee, Messrs D. McKenzie, G. E. Braley, E. S. Hylton, J. Hoffit, L. M. Siervers, J. AWilson and Calcinai. RESULTS OF BRITISH MATCHES. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, April 4. Following are the results of Rugby Union matches: Bath beat United Services225;7 —5; Birkenhead Park beat North of Ireland 24 —5; Bristol lost to Leicester 8 —13; Bridgewater beat Blackheath 9 —3; Devonport Services beat Old Blues 14 —6; Newport beat Moseley 26—5; Plymouth Albion beat Old Merchant Taylors 11 —3; Pontypool drew with Northampton 11 —11; Swansea lost to Harlequins 10—35; Waterloo beat Rosslyn Park 10—3; Bridge End beat London Welsh 12—5.