RUGBY SITUATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19353, 5 September 1934, Page 3

RUGBY SITUATION.

CENSURE OF OLD BOYS. HAMILTON UNION’S DECISION. WAIKATO RULING ACCEPTED. REQUEST TO NEW ZEALAND UNION The decision of the Waikato Rugby Union to uphold the Old Boys’ Club’s appeal against the vote of censure imposed upon the club by the Hamilton Rugby Union for its action in playing two juniors selected for the representative team In its senior club team was considered at a meeting of the Hamilton Union' Management Committee last evening, when It was decided to accept the ruling of the parent body, and withdraw the censure.

The chairman, Mr A. S. Cliffe, pointed out that t'he Waikato Union had reversed the sub-union’s decision and the Hamilton Union must bow to the parent body. Reviewing the proceedings of the Waikato Union’s meeting, when the matter was considered, Mr E. J. L. Whiting mentioned that, although he was deputed to place the Hamilton Union’s position before the Union, he was not given an opportunity to peruse the Old Boys’ Club’s statement. He considered that in the future all cases of appeal from a decision of the Hamilton Union should not be allowed to proceed before a detailed statement of appeal 'had been placed 'before the Hamilton Union at its previous weekly meeting. In his opinion he had been placed in a very unfair position and to overcome the possibility of any repetition of that state of affairs he had an additon to the match laws which he intended to bring forward.

Minute Rescinded. “I think that the matter should he referred 'back to the Waikato Union and considered again,” observed Mr E. R. Smith. Other speakers did not favour this course of action, the chairman pointing out that whether the Hamilton Union liked the Waikato Union’s decision or not, it had to abide by it. After brief discussion Mr J. S. Lynch moved that in view of the parent body’s' ruling, the minute involved should be rescinded and the vole of censure on the Old Boys’ Club' withdrawn. Tlic motion was carried by 3 votes to 2, Messrs E. R. Smith and F. Buckingham dessenting. The question of appeal to the New Zealand Union was raised, Mr Whiling remarking that unlimited rights of appeal were allowed under the laws of Rugby. It was moved by Mr J. S. Lynch that in view of the Waikato Union's ruling the case should be stated for appeal to the New Zeaalud Rugby Union.

Amplifying his proposal Mr Lynch said the Old Boys' Club had done wrong by its action and the Hamilton Union had taken such steps as it deemed x'ight. As a result of the Waikato Union’s decision there was still some hesitancy among Rugby followers as to what was the correct position regarding the rights of selectors and he considered it advisable that a ruling should be obtained from the New Zealand Union. Question of Principle. Mr Glifrc added that the appeal involved a question of principle which would affect the game throughout the Waikato. He was sanguine enough to believe that the New Zealand Union would uphold the Hamilton Union’s views on the rights of selectors. The view was expressed by Mr Lynch that if the case was staled for appeal to the New Zealand' Union, the vote of censure on Old Boys could not be withdrawn until the higher authority ruled that the Hamilton Union was wrong, and on this account he suggested that the rescinding of the minute imposing the censure on Old Boys should be suspended in the meanlime. * Other speakers contended that two separate issues were involved, Hie appeal lo the New Zealand Union being aimed lo obtain a ruling on the powers of selectors. ”1 do not Ihinß that we should concern ourselves with matters Si principle at this stage, but rather x\e should endeavour to close up.thc ranks and restore amity in the union,” observed Mr Whiting. Ruling Sought. After consideration of the position Mr Lynch agreed to the amendment of his motion, and moved that a ruling should he obtained from the New Zealand Union on the following point: "That selectors of representative teams in all grades should have prior claim on any players’ services in Ilia I grade unless permission is obtained from the management committee before the male'll by a club selector of a higher grade to play a player or players in siicli higher grade.” As an amendment Mr Cliffe moved Unit the minute standing on Hie union s minute hook, that, as a guide to clubs in future selectors of representative teams in all shall have prior claim on any player's services iu that grade uulcss permission is ub-

tained from the Management Committee or Junior Advisory Board, as the case may be, before the match; should be again sent to the Waikato Union with a request that it should be forwarded to the New Zealand Union for a ruling. Mr Lynch withdrew his motion in favour of the chairman”s amendment, which was carried unanimously.

THE HAMILTON UNION. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS. MORRIS CUP MATCHES. The weekly meeting of the Hamilton Rugby Union management committee was held last evening, Mr. A. S. Cliffe presiding. A recommendation from the Junior Advisory Board that A. Collier, of the Frankton Club, should be regraded from senior to junior, was confirmed. On the motion of Mr. A. P. Nelson it was decided that for the purpose of regrading, a player playing in part of a game in a higher grade, as substitute l'or an injured player should not be deemed as having played a game in the higher grade. Morris Cup Competition. It was reported that live teams were entered for the Morris Cup competition, Mr. 11. Lavnc intimating that the Public Service team had withdrawn. The draw for the first round resulted: —Dairy Company v. Banks; Railway v. Post and Telegraph; Box Factory a bye. It was decided to commence the ■competition on Saturday. Fixtures for Saturday. The following are the fixtures for Saturday:— ’ 'Senior: Representative game.—Cambridge v. Hamilton, No 1 ground Rugby Park, 2.45 p.m. Morris Cup.—Dairy v. Banks, No. 3 Rugby Park, 3 p.m.; Railway v. Post and Telegraph, No. 2 Rugby Park, J p.m. Box Factory a bye. First Junior: One round competition. Gilling Cup; replay.— Frankton v. Technical Old Boys, No. 1 Rugby Park, 1.30 p.m.