PUNISHMENT OF ROEBUCK

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1930, Page 9

PUNISHMENT OF ROEBUCK

MOVEMENT TO REOPEN CASE. TARANAKI UNION’S ATTITUDE. An endeavour to reopen the cage oi Roebuck, the Okato Rugby player who was disqualified for life for striking the referee, Mr. Nodder, in a match at Okato, is to be made by the Taranaki Rugby Ur ion. The penalty imposed by the Taranaki union was varied and made more severe by the New Zealand union, and the Taranaki union considers the major union’s punishment too drastic. The chairman, Mr. J. McLeod, reported The chairman, Mr. J. McLeod, reported to the meeting of the Taranaki union management committee last night that a letter had been forwarded to the New Zealand union protesting against that body varying the penalty. The letter showed that the union had carefully considered every aspect of the case. It recognised the gravity of the offence and had made the decision after very careful deliberation. When the New Zealand union dealt with the case it had before it only the referee’s report, and the union’s decision without knowing all the circumstances or the character of the man concerned. The letter suggested the New Zealand union’s decision was in the nature of a hysterical gesture, A reply was received from the New Zealand union stating it regretted it could not alter its decision. Members considei'ed tha,t the union shook! endeavour to have the reopened, but there was diversity of opinion whether it would be better to place Ihe ease before the appeal council or before the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union. It was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Guy and Garcia' that the union take steps to have the case reconsidered.