SEVEN LEAGUE STRIKERS

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 52, 3 March 1927, Page 12

SEVEN LEAGUE STRIKERS

DISQUALIFIED FOR LIFE. DECISION OF N.Z. COUNCIL. INQUIRY HELD IX COMMITTEE. After an exhaustive inquiry lasting just on four hours, the New Zealand Rugby league Council yesterday disqualilied for life seven members of the New Zealand League team who went on strike during the tour of England. The players concerned were X. Mouat, L. Peterson, J. Wright, E. J. Carroll, W. Devine, H. Singe, and F. Henry. The last-named did not return with the team, but remained in England to plav for the Hull Club.

At the inquiry held in committee yesterday there was a full attendance of members, with Mr. J. L'arlaw presiding. The disqualified men were represented at the inquiry by Mr. E. Inder. At the conclusion of the deliberations the following statement was issued to the Press i — "An exhaustive inquiry was held, lasting four hours. Mr. Inder appeared with Mouat, Peterson, Devine, Carroll, Singe and Wright, as counsel. Henry, who remained in England, was not represented by counsel. Mr. Inder cross-ex-amined the managers of the team, Mr. E. H. Mair and Mr. G. H. Ponder, on the question of the above players refusing to play wHle on tour. "The council decided that the suspension of the players by the managers be confirmed, and. further, that the players be disqualified for life." The suspension of Mr. Mair, the team coach, while in England, did not come before the council. When seen after the inquiry, Mouat stated that the only question considered was whether he and others had •rone on strike, and they were not allowed to bring evidence of justification. They intended to obtain legal ailviee with a view to contesting the decision of the council.

N. Mouatt