RIVAL FOOTBALL ORGANISATIONS.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13382, 3 April 1912, Page 4

RIVAL FOOTBALL ORGANISATIONS.

Once again tho City Council is confronted with the task of allotting the use of Trafalgar Park to the rival football organisations, the Nelson Rugby Union and the Nelson Rugby League. Amateur Rugby has been played in Nelson for many years past, and unlike other sports, it lias maintained its popularity, so much so that Rugby clubs have sprung up in all parts of tho district, and owing to the increased number of players, sub-unions under the jurisdiction of the parent body—the Nelson Rugby Union—havo been formed recently at Murchison and at Motueka. On tho other hand the Northern League, which was formed in Nelson some three years ago, seems to have made little progress, and in spite of strenuous efforts on-the part of the supporters of the "semi-professional game, can muster two clubs only, so wo are informed, with the probability of being able to put only three teams in tho field. Last year thy League were granted the use of Trafalgar Park on ony Saturday in the month, and this concession seriously inconvenienced the Rugby Union, which had 600 players to cater for, in the arrangements, of its fixtures, necessitating the playing of some of the important matches on grounds where admission could not be charged. On the other hand, several of the matches arranged for by the Northern League on Saturdays allotted to them failed to eventuate, and the exhibitions when given failed to attract the public. This year the Northern League has approached the.Council with a request that it should be granted the use of Trafalgar Park «n one Saturday in_ every four, which if granted will further restrict the playing grounds of the Rugby Union. At the annual meeting of this body, held last week, considerable onthusiastn was shown, and although one club has ceased to exist, it is understood the majority of its active members intend throwing ill their lot with the other amateur clubs in the city, so that their services will not be1 lost to Rugby football. It is to be honed that the

Committee of the Council to whom the matter has been referred will consider the question of the allotment of the grounds solely on the facts arid figures that can be.,.-laid before them by the rival organisations, so that an equitable adjustment will result, and the interests of the sporting public not be allowed to suffer. .