LEAGUE PLAYER'S REINSTATEMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17863, 3 June 1926, Page 9

LEAGUE PLAYER'S REINSTATEMENT.

SOUTHLAND UNION IS CONCERNED OVER CASE OF GILROY, MARISTS. An atmosphere of smoothness has so far characterised the weekly meetings of the Southland Rugby Union this season, says the “Southland Times,” but at the last meeting an intrusion on the general run of pcacefullness was made when a communication was read from the New Zealand Rugby Union advising the Southland Union “that Gilroy (an ex-league player) had been reinstated on the assurance of the Southland Union and Mr Geddes that Gilroy had not received more than £2 out-of-pocket expenses while playing League. Mr Geddes said he gave no assurance that £2 was the onlv expenses received by Gilroy. Tt was on his (Gilroy’s) declaration. The onus was not on the speaker. He appeared on behalf of the Southland Union when the application for reinstatement was being considered, but certainly gave no assurance as asked. “I am sorry that the application was granted. ” continued Mr Geddes. “The Marist Club has not acted fairly in the matter. They had recommended Gilroy’s application. Now it was learned, Gilroy was playing League in Christchurch. He was there in fact while the application was being considered. The Marist Club should have found out beforehand about G:l----rov and his intentions. They have not acted fairly.” Mr Geddes then moved that the union communicate with the New Zealand Union cancelling Gilroy’s reinstatement and also send a covering letter explaining the position. “As far as I am concerned,” concluded-Mr Geddes, “the union would need to be pretty clear on all points before going on with any further cases for consideration.” .

Mr Courtis: The Marist Club were in the .dark and rung up Gilroy to inform him of the New Zealand Union’s decision, but found he was out of town. Mr Geddes: Why did the application come from the Marist Club with a covering letter recommending thfe union to forward it on for consideration? Mr Davis: I think Mr Geddes is off the track altogether and I take exception to his remarks. The Marist Club had no idea Gilroy was away from Invercargill. When the reinstatement came through they took steps to inform Gilroy, but could find no trace of him. Mr Geddes: May I ask who was responsible for the application? Was it Gilroy or the club? Was there any influence brought to bear in the matter? Mr -Davis: No, there was'not. Mr Geddes: I think there was. Mr Courtis: It has certainly put the union in a very bad position. There was general surprise expressed when it was known that Gilroy had left Invercargill. Mr Geddes: It is a most peculiar thing that Gilroy was in Christchurch on the morning of the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union and nobody know anything about it. Mr Davis: I can’t see where it reflects on the club or the union. As far as the club was concerned, it did not know he was leaving Invercargill. Mr Geddes: It is rather strange that his application was filled in and then he departs to Christchurch. Mr Davis (to Mr Geddes) : Not knowing the circumstances, it is not fair for you to criticise as you have done. Mr Geddes: I stand by what I have said. Mr Davis: Are we sure he has been playing League? Mr Geddes: Northern papers confirm it. I have a copy of one here saying so. The motion was then put and carried unanimously.