LEAGUE AND RUGBY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16542, 28 September 1921, Page 4

LEAGUE AND RUGBY.

amalgamation proposal. A letter seeking information in regard to the amalgamation proposal was received by the Management Oommittee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening. Much to members 7 surprise, there was no communication from the head union asking for particulars of the charges of mismanagement made by the Canterbury Union in connection with the New Zealand v. New South Wales match. The secretary of the New Zealand Union wrote as follows:—‘‘The attention of my committee has been drawn to a Press Association message appearing in the 1 Dominion 7 on September 23, stating that the president of the Canterbury Rugby Union has unofficially approached the League authorities with a view to the amalgamation of the two codes. I am directed to ask whether this step was taken with the knowledge and consent of your union, and whether 3 r our union has anything to report upon the matter. 7 7 Mr S. F. Wilson (president of the Canterbury Union) said that he had expressly stated that the union had nothing to do with his suggestion. Whatever ho had done was done off liis own bat, and, whether it was wise or not, ho was prepared to take the responsibility. (Hear, hear). Had the matter been handled as he thought it might have been by the Mayo? of Christchurch (Dr Thacker, M.P.), some good might have come from it. The League executive said that they had never received his letter. The Mayor said they had. Mr C. Buchanan said that the Press Association message stressed the point that Mr Wilson's action had been unofficial. Mr Wilson: This is the only matter the New Zealand Union has written to us about for some time. They thought they would get a “bite.” On the motion of Mr Buchanan, seconded by Mr F. D. Kesteven, it was decided to reply to the New Zealand Union stating that Mr Wilson’s letter to the Mayor of Christchurch had been sent without the knowledge or consent of the Canterbury Union. Mr A. Dey then asked if there was not a letter from the New Zealand Union asking that charges should be formulated in connection with the New South Wales match. Mr Wilson : All we heard about that was the Press Association message. There is no letter. Mr Buchanan ; That’s a pity. W’e could easily have formulated charges. Mr G. P. Payne, referring to his recent visit to Sydney, expressed disappointment over the fact .that the New Zealand Union had not approved of the visit of a ,Maori team to New South W ales this season. He hoped that delegates to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union would take the matter up. More support must be given to Maori footballers, because the League people were particularly active. They were trying to attract the Maoris to their code. The New Zealand Union seemed to look at nothing but the pounds, shillings and pence side. It was neglecting the Maoris, who were «ceen footballers and great sports. Mr Wilson said that the New Zealand Union had its hands full when arrangements were being made for a Maori team to visit New South Wales. There must have been some misunderstanding with Mr Parata.

Mr Payne said he hoped the question would be discussed at the annual meeting.