FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10756, 30 April 1913, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

MEETING OF RUGBY UNION COM

MITTEE.

The committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union met last night; presentMessrs G. H. Mason (in the cSair), F. T. Evans,"A. L. Jones, F. D. Kesteven, T. Bain, C. Buchanan, A. E» Byrne, T. F. Wilson, C. Hasell, L. Corbett, C. Evans, A. M'Phail and W. Tra«v. Mr E. Cockayne wrote stating that, while refereeing in the match between Canterbury College and Albion, he had had occasion to order A. Meharry, an Albion player, off the field for striking another player. Meharry attended and stated that the blow had, been accidental. Discussion of the matter was held over till a statement from Mr Cockayne could be obtained. Sergeant-Major Le Motte, of the local defence staff, wrote asking for the aseistanoe of the Union in promoting Rugby football games between a Christchurch Territorial team and men from H.M.S. New Zealand during the 6tay of the ship in Lyttelton. It was decided to arrange a match with one of the club 9 for Saturday, May 17. The St John Ambulanoe Brigade wrote Ktating tliat the division would furnish men for the different grounda throughout the season. The Peninsula Sub-Union wrote giving notice that the following officers would act for it during the year:— President, Mr W. Thomas (Okaina Bay); vice-presidents, Messrs T. Wil-» Hams (Little River), F. Williams (Robinson's Bay), T. W. Wilkins (Duvauchelles); secretary, Mr W. E. M. Jacotv son. (Akaroa); delegate to Canterbury Rugby Union, Mr A. R. Jacobson; auditor, Mr H. W. Wilkins (Akaroa). The teams competing would be the same as last year, but the entries would not close till April 26, when the fixtures would be drawn.

A letter was reoeived from Mr P. White, Leicester. Street, complaining of the fact that the ball from adjacent matches in Lancaster Psurk was constantly being kicked on to his property and damaging it. It was decided that the Union should do all In its power to prevent the annoyance. Mr F. H. Campbell, ex-president of the Ota go Rugby Uniou, wrote adversely criticising the conduct of the game by the New Zealand Union. The New Zealand Union, the letter said, did not consider it its duty to consult the affiliated Unions on matters affecting th« welfare of New Zealand football. Negotiations for a visit of a New Zealand team to England and for a visit of att English team to New Zealand had been carried on without the knowledge of the local Unions, and it was doubtful whether the local Unions were anxious for either of such visits. The best course for New Zealand to adopt was to secede from the English Union, which had repeatedly shown that it took little or no interest in New Zealand football. The New Zealand Union had had both its requests for a game with England and its request for a game with South Africa refused, and the " ad misericordiam " nature of its appeal to England had tended to lower the prestige of New Zealand football, the New Zealand Union being snubbed. The wishes of the affiliated Unions should ha.ve been consulted before the negotiations referred to were entered into. The matter was left for the delegates of the Canterbury Union to bring up at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union. The Lin wood President's B team was granted permission to withdraw from the competition. It was decided to send an invitation to Captain Halsey and the officers and crew of H.M.S. New Zealand to attend the football matches on May 17.

Messrs G. H. Mason and F. T. Evans were appointed the delegates of the Union at the meeting of the New Zealand Union. It was decided that the delegates should endeavour to have thf North v. South Island matches playe< at Christchurch this year.