FOOTBALL BROADCASTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 8

FOOTBALL BROADCASTS.

N.Z. UNION CRITICISED.

SAVOURING OF PROFESSIONALISAI.

The decision of the New Zealand Rugby Union to prohibit the wireless broadcast of Test matches during the visit of the English team has certainly not been met with favour among the various .sub-unions of the Waikato and at the annual meeting of the Waikato Union last evening the New Zealand body’s action in taking such a stand was severely criticised by the various delegates. Mr V. G. Boulton (Cambridge) in moving that the delegates to the New Zealand Rugby Union Conference support the broadcasting of Test matches, pointed out that by this means alone would thousands of country Rugby enthusiasts be able to follow the Tests. Air H. G. Haselden supported Air Boulton’s remarks and expressed the opinion that the New Zealand Union’s attitude savoured of professionalism. He considered that members of his subunion (Waipa) xvere quite within their rights in demanding that the Tests be broadcast. Mr B. Chapman pointed out that the New Zealand Union had taken up this present attitude with a view to safeguarding country union gates and he felt sure that no objection could be raised to broadcast the Tests if such was the wish of the country unions. The motion on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously.