RUGBY PUZZLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 163, 12 July 1929, Page 9

RUGBY PUZZLE.

WILL FALWASSER PLAY ?

FOOTBALL AND OMENS

The big question in Rugby for the moment is "Will Falwasser take the field at Eden Park to-morrow." There is great diversity of opinion as to his status in the amateur world, which probably only Albert himself can decide. At present lie is at his home in Taranaki, but will leave by boat to-night for Auckland, arriving in the morning. No doubt there will be many at Onehunga to greet him from both codes, but so far this versatile player says that he will not play any other game than Rugby, and just where he stands in regard to taking part in the game for Manukau against Ponsonby to-morrow is in the lap of the gods, or the Auckland Rugby Union. His entry on the field would do much to hearten his old team, whilst public interest would also be keen to Bee what a difference he will make to his side. The probabilities are that his jig-saw run will be in evidence when the starting bell rings at 3 p.m. Omen at Send-off Social. There is an incident related which justified a serious doubt in the Maori mind that the footballer would reach the Homeland. In the midst of the farewell speech and presentation, a loud report like an explosion shocked the assembly, a large number of whom were Maori people. The speaker and all present remained in silence whilst a lady rushed to investigate. After three minutes she returned smilingly and the speaker resumed, as though nothing had happened. _ The point about this is that, accordintr to Maori tradition, such an interruption, planly signifies pending disaster, or a hiteh in arrangements. The natives do not consider this superstition. They murmur or think '"aitua something will happen. 7ft is safe to say that fewMaoris who were at Falwasser s send-oft social were unduly surprised that he did not sail