The recent press-orchestrated “spat” between Marlborough and Wellington College over a rugby match which took place last year, reminded me of the following letter written over a hundred years ago by the great College Bursar, John. S. Thomas, to Mr Vincent Head, the proprietor of the well-known tailors` shop in the Town.

There being no photograph of the College XV of 1893 in the College Archives, the team illustrated here is the XV of 1892, several members of which were still playing for the College a year later.

Mr Vincent Head
Marlborough College

December 14^th, 1893

Dear Sir,

I have received a formal “protest” from one of our most respected House-Masters, addressed to me officially as Bursar of the College, against your conduct at the Wellington football match last Saturday.

This master writes that “If anything could have caused ill-blood and brought about an unpleasant situation, it would have been his (Mr Vincent Head`s) language and manner”. I have made enquiries of other Masters who were present, and this report appears to be abundantly confirmed and justified. It is especially stated that you in a loud voice criticised and condemned the decisions of the Referee. I am also informed that our opponents from Wellington College made comments which showed that they too had been astonished by your attitude.

I am sure that you will understand that it is painful to me to hear that a leading tradesman of the Town, and one with whom the College boys have so much intercourse, should have so acted as to bring down such strong comments from College masters on his bearing. No doubt your patriotic interest in the School was the exciting cause which influenced you, but I am sure that you will recognise that the courtesy we owe to our opponents should make those who identify themselves with our cause most careful not to excite adverse criticism such as unfortunately has been made in the present instance.

I am, dear Sir,

Very faithfully yours,

John S. Thomas (Bursar)

The account of this match in “The Marlburian” of December 20^th, 1893 reports, with some satisfaction, that the game was played on The Common and that Marlborough had performed well, winning by 15 points to nil. The match was not without incident on the field, however, for it is noted that 'Dashwood', one of the most prominent Wellingtonians, received a nasty kick on the head, which prevented him from taking any further part in the match; whilst G. W. Johnson of Marlborough had his wrist so badly hurt that few would have thought of continuing to play”. 
T. E. Rogers, 8:iii:08