'Nothing Doing,'says N.Z.U.S.A.

There will be no University blues during wartime. N.Z.U.S.A. has decided to abide by its decision to this effect made last year.

At the N.Z.U.S.A. meeting a motion that the decision be reconsidered was put by V.U.C. and seconded pro forma by Canterbury. Both hockey associations had urged that blues be awarded, and Merry Boyd, Victoria's president, read letters from our hockey, football and basketball clubs supporting the suggestion. It was argued that as the standard of play was well up to average it was unfair to the players not to award blues. However, the delegates were definitely not impressed by these contentions. Otago thought it was hardly fair to give blues to some sports and not to others, while Massey declared that while conditions were the same policy should be the same. (Unfortunately for this argument, some blues have been awarded since the war began.—A.O'B.) They further declared that if clubs were going to talk about unfairness what about the unfairness to those who did not get blues because they were overseas? Referring to the standard of play Mr. Ryder said that it was a very risky thing to say that the standard was up to the average, as blues were definitely competitive and the inclusion of players now in the armed forces must have the effect of raising the standard. Moreover, he thought it a very selfish thing for sports clubs to want blues during wartime.

Thus blues were relegated to the outer darkness for the duration with a hearty Bronx cheer for a send-off.