MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15211, 12 April 1923, Page 5

MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The question of the status of military defaulters was discussed by the New Zealand Rugby Union last night. The Wellington I'ninn sent a letter from the Returned Soldiers' Association drawing attention to the fact that defaulters have been deprived of civil rights and urging that they be debarred from playing the game. The chairman moved that this Union approves of the spirit of the letter, and that a copy be sent to affiliated clubs, with a request that they chock the rolls, and report if there are any plavcrs who come under the ban. In a general discussion Mr Hardham, V.G., said military defaulters should not lie encouraged under the amateur Rugby code. Other speakers pointed out that it was not fair to impose on the clubs the task of seeking mil. military defaulters. Tlie job was really one for the Government. The motion was carried, with two dissentients. CHIUSTCHURCII, Wednesday. The Hugb> I'nion, discussing the debarring of military defaulters, expressed a doubt as t" the possibility of enforcing it. efficiently. A motion was tabled that no action lie taken, but an amendment, carried carrying the matter to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union. It was decided not to lie the Innds of the Canterbury delegates 10 the uiatte;.