Newspaper Criticises Northland Attitude To Ranfurly Shield

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 September 1950, Page 3

Newspaper Criticises Northland Attitude To Ranfurly Shield

DARGAVILLE, Yesterday. “The attitude adopted by the North Auckland Rugby Union concerning its, challenge for the Ranfurly Shield is not one that is likely to enhahce the union's prestige among the southern

unions, and the New Zealand Rugby Union in particular,” states an editorial in the “Northland Times,” one of Northland s two dailies. “The Northland union’s attitude appears to be too persistent and leads to an impression that Northland must be allowed a challenge at all costs, no matter who is hurt.

In the meantime, fuel was added to the fire when the Northland union's request for a challenge against Wairarapa was declined by the New Zealand Rugby Union,” adds the editorial. “Rather than accept the New Zealand Union’s ruling graciously, the Northland union decided to contest the ruling and has lodged two appeals to the appeal council.”

After contrasting Northland’s policy with the dignified attitude of Taranaki and Wanganui, whose challenges along with that of Northland were not accepted by Canterbury when it held the shield, the editorial continues: “All Northland Rugby supporters hope their representative team will be given a tilt at the shield, and they would be proud supporters if the team brought home the coveted trophy, but when efforts adopted To bring about a challenge tend to cause discordant notes, then a change in tactics should be implemented. Northland’s Rugby reputation should be preserved and not whittled away by a determination to challenge at all costs, when perhaps recognition of other unions’ viewpoints and problems associated with the 'trophy might, enable Northland oflicials to see things in their correct perspective. The New Zealand Union might remind the Northland union of Wellington’s words at Waterloo: ‘Hard pounding, gentlemen, but we will see who can pound the longest,’ ” concludes the editorial.