THE ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS. TOUR OF THE COLONIES.

« SOME HOPE YET OF THEIR COMING TO NEW ZEALAND. [PJttESa AShOCIATION.] Sydney, 12th May. Mr. W. C. Marter, Secretary to the Wellington liugby Union, who is at present on a visit to Sydney, has made enquiries relative to the possibility of the Enijlish team visiting New Zealand In an interview, Mr. Marter has stated that the exclusion of Nhw Zealand was one of the strongest arguments in favour of the foraiation of an Australasian Union, which would control international fixtures, the affiliated colonies participating equally in the representation. The feeling locally, Mr. Marter affirms, is that the Australian matches will be worthless as a test of colonial football without the New Zealanders, and Mr. Marter is slro.ig in the opinion that New South Wales might reasonably ask New Zealand to reconsider the matter. Mr Marter has taken the opportunity to deny that New Zealand is actuated by a doi(-in-Ilie-maiiger policy in declining to be represented. An the result of this interview Avith Mr. Marter the secretary of the N.S.W. Union is inclined to believe there is still a slight hope of the Englishmen puying N.Z. a brief visit. The Rev. Mr. Mullineux, who is bringing the team to the colonies, has stated that he may be able to extend the trip one week, in which case N.S.W. might probably forego two country and one test match to enable the Englishmen to play matches at Auckland and Wellington, provided a guarantee of £250 is given in N.Z., that colony also paying all expenses. There will be no definite settlement of the matter, however, till after the arrival of the Englishmen.

The opening demonstration of the Salvation Army Irom tho new barracks at I'etone will lako place to-night. There will be special meetings all day to-morrow and a monster tea on Monday evening,