SCHOOLS RUGBY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16875, 27 October 1922, Page 4

SCHOOLS RUGBY.

POSITION OF MARIBTS. The decision of the Canterbury Public Schools* Amateur Athletic Association to confine their competitions t.o public schools and its effect on the Marist Brothers’ School was referred to by speakers at the annual smoke concert of the Marist

Brothers Old Boys’ Association last night. Tho little mißunuerstu.ij.uiug tnat fias occurred regarding our primary school boys ” was the term in which Bishop Brodie introduced the subject. lie sani ho was still hoping that the matter would be adjusted in a friendly sporting spirit, in w.e meantime he asked old boys not to adopt anything in the way of u vindictive or aggressive spirit, lie was deepTy grateful for tne. action of those friends who had stood up for and spoken so kindly of the Marist clubs. It would not bo wise at the present, he said, to suggest any reason for the action taken. The conditions of the competition, perhaps, might not bo equal. If their boys had a wider sphere c eelection than other public schools, it would not be fair, and the conditions should be revised, but he hoped they would yet lie able to play in tho same competitions and encourage one another in the advancement of true sport and in upholding the interests of Rugby. If anything should happen which would put a barrier in tho way it would be a source of sorrow to ivm. “ There iB one game that 1 have been able to enthuse in, and that is Rugby,” Raid Bishop Brodie. “ I think it is New Zealand's national game —I don’t decry any other game— and I would like to fee it continue so. I feel therefore that Marist Brothers and members of the Old Boys' Association will recognise my feelings when giving the assurance that there will be nothing on our part to bring about an estrangement, but we will do everything we possibly can to promote tho interests of Rugby and of every other branch of sport in New Zealand." Reference to this subject was also made by Mr S. F. Wilson (president of the Canterbury Rugby Union) in responding to the toast of " The Union.” He said that no one regretted the attitude taken up in regard to th 3 Marist School more than the footballers of Canterbury, and all would be only too pleased to help to effect any arrangement. Tt was the “job” of the union to find football for everyone v-ho wanted to play it. and could assure them that whatever was the outcome of the present position, they would find football for the boys. Mr A. Fraser, the proposer of the t.oast o’ “ The Marist Old Boys* Association.” said that, while the excluding Marists was a matter for regret, it was most heartening that Mf»ri«t* had the wholehearted support of Bughv players and the Canterbury Rugby Union.