FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18538, 8 April 1930, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY UNION. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the South Canterbury Rugby Union was held last night. Present —Messrs D. Hertnon (chairman), 11. H. Fraser, W. J. Watson, J. Roseveare, J. Harley, W. Harte, G. Fairbrother, S. Williams, A. B. Herdman, G. F. Doyle, and A. B. Rowlands. The chairman extended a welcome to the Committee to Mr Doyle, who had again been selected to represent the Referees’ Association. Mr Doyle said that the Referees’ Association wished the Union every success during the coming season. The Star Club was granted permission to play a friendly game with Southern (Waimate) on Easter Monday. The use of Fraser Park was granted on the usual terms. Permission was granted the Waihi Club to play Hinds on April 12. An invitation was received from the Marlborough Union for a representative of the South Canterbury Union to be present at the opening of the new grounds (Lansdowne Park) on April 21. The secretary of tne Fairlie Club made application for the re-instate-ment of John Keenan from League to Rugby.—lt was decided to forward the application through the usual channel. The secretary of the Star Club wrote entering a protest against the decision of the Committee in the allocation of grounds for the Easter fixtures. In conjunction with the Old Boys’ Club, they made application for the use of Fraser Park, and the action of the Committee in favouring the Old Boys’ Club with the sole use of the grounds seemed to be most unfair. The letter set out the following facts, which the Club considered had not had proper consideration:—(l) The Jubilee Committee of the Old Boys’ Association, which was in no way connected with Rugby football, had been given preference to the Star Club. (2) It had been the established practice to treat all applications alike, and leave the clubs concerned to agree as to the gate, etc., amongst themselves. (3) Old Boys required only one ground, leaving one available at Fraser Park. (4) Under the circumstances they had been compelled to cancel their engagement with the Sydenham Club. The letter concluded:—“We submit the above facts with the firm conviction that your Committee’s action is detrimental to the best interest of Rugby football in South Canterbury, and tnat outside interest has been given preference to the Star Football Club.” Mr Fraser moved, and Mr Watson seconded, that the letter be received. The chairman said that the matter had been dealt with at the previous meeting on the voices. The Star Club had taken a drastic view of the matter, but he could not see why they should have done so. The motion was carried.

In a further letter, the secretary of the Star Club stated that he had been instructed to cancel the match with the Sydenham Club on account of suitable grounds not being available on Easter Saturday.

Mr Fraser said that he did not think they should accept such a letter, as the Union had allocated the Club one of the best grounds over which they had control. He suggested that the Club should be advised accordingly. Mr Watson said that it would be remembered that the Sydenham Club had written to the Union asking if a game could be arranged for Easter Saturday, and the secretary, in trying to arrange a match, had offered it to the Star Club. He considered that a reply to the Sydenham Club should be sent by the Union. After further discussion, Mr Watson moved that the Star Club be advised that, in the Committee’s judgment, the Caledonian Ground was as good as any under the control of the Union. The motion was seconded by Mr Fraser.

Mr Harley moved as an amendment that the Sydenham Club be informed that the match had been offered to Star, that the Union had allocated one of the best grounds under its control, and that the Star Club had turned the game down, contending that the ground was unsuitable. Mr Harley added that the Star Club had jumped at the offer, and had now turned it down.

It was eventually decided that a letter along the lines of the amendment be sent to both Clubs.

The South Canterbury Referees’ Association made application for a grant of £lO/10/- for general expenses, and £5/5/- delegate’s expenses to the annual conference of the New Zealand Rugby Referees’ Association, to be held in Christchurch. Supporting the application, Mr Doyle said that he would like to see the Union make the whole grant. Mr Fraser stated that the Union's delegates were only granted train and hotel expenses, and not out-of-pocket expenses. Mr Watson contended that £5/5/was a big sum for expenses. Mr Roseveare moved that £5/5/- be granted, the motion being seconded by Mr Harte. As an amendment, Mr Watson moved that hotel and train expenses be allowed. This was seconded by Mr Fraser. The chairman said that for all the difference, he considered that the £5/5/- should be granted. The amendment was lost, and the motion was carried. The following nights were allocated for training purposes:—Tuesday, Zingari; Wednesday, Old Boys; Thursday, Star. Brief discussion took place regarding the boundaries of the Mackenzie SubUnion, Mr Watson moving that the boundaries be those of the Mackenzie County, and that players within those boundaries could not play club football for clubs whose headquarters were outside this area. The motion was seconded by Mr Roseveare, and carried without discussion. Mr Fraser: “I don’t think you have jurisdiction over a player.” Mr Harte: “How is it going to affect junior players?” Mr Herdman suggested that the word “senior” should be inserted before players. Mr Fraser suggested that they should leave the matter over till after the delegates’ return from Wellington. It was pointed out that the alteration would be confirmed at a special general meeting. Mr Watson further moved that the Union reserve the right to grant exemption to any player covered by the rule previously passed. The motion was seconded by Mr Harte and carried. Mr Harte expressed a desire to be relieved of his position on the Referees’ Appointment Board, and his resignation was accepted with regret. Mr Harley was elected to the position.