FOOTBALL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12824, 16 October 1911, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

To the Editor

Sir, —I noticed in your issue of the 11th that I came in for some comment ah the Rugby Union meeting. Mr Spriggens said he did not understand what I meant by the statement 1 made ro some of the Kaicrau players turning professional. The reason, as I have said before, is that the players are not satisfied with the management of the Union. Considering the way the players aro treated, it is no small wonder that they go elsewhere, where they get better treatment. The Kaierau-Piratcs third-class match is one instance. The game was held over right'until September, and the Union have the audacity to charge 3s a night for the use of the traiuing shed.for tho extra nights, when they themselves were at fault in not playing the game sooner. Mr Gray, the selector, says I knew that I was going South after tho Rangitikei match. Certainly, it was after that match, but not until after the jeountry team's match. Mr Gray evidently has a bad memory, because it was on the afternoon' of tho North Island match that |ho asked me if 1 could get away, and ; I told him I had hot applied because 11 did not know T was going. Mr Reyi nolds will bear me out in this statement. Mr Craig, the other selector, backs up Mr Gray, and also states i said I would not go as an emergency. 1 certainly would not ,have gone as such. In regard to the team being picked after the Rangitikei match, 1 do not doubt that at all, but all the same it was a case of ll>clo not tell yet." Even Dustin told me he did not know until a week before we left. Of course, ho could not be left out, but as the selectors performed so many funny acts nobody would have been surprised at his non-inclusion. Another matter that is freely discussed is the representation on the Union. Tlie Old Boys command no less than five votes. I do not wish to cast any reflection on those gentlemen. On the contrary! I believe them to bo conscientious men, but still the unequal representation is there. Again, ro the selection of the junior reps. Mr Gray asked me to give him the names of likely men in our team, and 1 gave in several names. He objected to one of them because he had^sqme trouble with him at the Union boatshed. Just one more question for the Union to settle. I believe the gate and ticket men who collect on the gates get paid for their afternopn work, and have been declared professionals. Now, Sir, is it not a fact that Mr Gray has received payment for work done on the Rec. grounds? If so, has.he not earned his professional status also? Thanking you, Mr Editor, for inserting this letter.—l am, etc., T. P. SOUTER. Wanganui, October 15.