THE ALL BLACKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 68, 2 January 1936, Page 6

THE ALL BLACKS.

BRIGHTON VISIT CANCELLATION REASONS FOR THE ACTION. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, December 30. _ The controversy regarding the visit of the All Blacks to Brighton has broken out afresh. Councillor Denne, the Mayor of Brighton, issued a statement to the press regretting the cancellation of the visit, as at short notice he arranged a civic luncheon, inviting prominent local sportsmen. _ He added that he recognised the difficulty of limiting the acceptance of the hospitality so freely offered on such occasions. Perhaps Mr V. R. Meredith knew Brighton’s reputation for hospitality, especially in the festive season, and realised that it was _ preferable to conclude the team’s training in a more secluded environment. Mr S. S. Dean (chairman of the management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union) has issued a statement to a journalist recalling the facts stated on December 27 by Sir Harry Preston, adding: “We are most disappointed that the team is not staying at Brighton, where we wanted to go.” Mr Dean has telegraphed to Mr Denne: “We deplore your statement inferring discourtesy on the part of the New Zealanders in cancelling the visit to Brighton. The team was eagerly looking forward to it, and also to receiving Brighton’s hospitality. The cancellation was forced on them by Sir Harry Preston’s failure to keep his undertaking. His last-minute suggestion temporarily to accommodate a number of the team in favour of guests continuing their occupation of rooms reserved for the team in April left Mr Meredith no alternative but to make other arrangements.” Sir Harry Preston, in an interview, says: “I was so disappointed at the upset that I hardly slept on Saturday night. We arranged to entertain the New Zealanders, and we were eagerly awaiting their visit; but many people unexpectedly staying on surprised us. Nevertheless only one or two men would have had to sleep at a neighbouring hotel on Saturday. The team would have been reunited on Sunday. J am especially heartbroken because I assisted to found the British Sportsmen’s Club, and to entertain the New Zealanders in 1925, when it seemed likely that they would go home without recognition Accordingly some of us arranged a luncheon which was attended by the Prince of Wales, and this resulted in the establishment of the Sportsmen’s Club, and the providj ing of a welcome for overseas teams. Mr Denne says: “I am sorry the New Zealanders thought I was imputing discourtesy to them. That was far from our thoughts.” In spite of the bad weather, the New Zealanders are training daily at Porthcawl. Some of the players thought that as they were not required for the final match they should have been granted leave and allowed to remain in London. Mr V. R. Meredith, however, wanted to have enough men to practise scrummaging. lie is anxious that the discussion about the Brighton incident should be closed, believing that a protest would serve no purpose in view of the explanations made by Sir Harry Preston and the Brighton officials. The team is content at Porthcawl, and satisfied that it is more suitable for training than Brighton, which is crowded during the holidays. Oliver will definitely be available to play against England, and Caughey is practically certain to be available. WELSH PLAYER’S BROKEN NECK EXPECTATION OF RECOVERY. LONDON, December 31. It is revealed' that Tarr, the Navy and Swansea player, broke and dislocated vertebrae in his neck during the match between Wales and New Zealand on December 21. Specialists believe treatment will be successful after long nursing.