N.Z.R.U. Waiting To See What Happens In Africa

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29177, 11 April 1960, Page 14

N.Z.R.U. Waiting To See What Happens In Africa

(New Zealand Press Association) ' WELLINGTON, April 10. The New Zealand Rugby Union must now wait to see the consequences in South Africa of the attempted assassination bf the Prime Minister (Dr. Verwoerd), said the union’s chairmah (Mr C. S. Hogg), tonight. Mr Hogg was asked to comment on the incident in the light of the union’s consideration of whether they will send a touring team- to South Africa.

Asked to comment on a statement in Johannesburg by Dr. D. Craven, president of the South African Rugby Board, Mr Hogg said the expression of surprise by Dr. Craven that New Zealand should be negotiating with the Argentine was based on an absolutely incorrect assumption. The New Zealand union could not, and was. not, negotiating with the Argentine Rugby body. It was only seeking information on

the proposal through New Zealand’s honorary representative in the Argentine. It was through this source that the suggestion had come. There had been no official invitation. Mr Hogg said he preferred not

to comment at this stage on other aspects of Dr. Craven’s statement reported from Johannesburg. Dr. Craven is reported to have told the Johannesburg Afrikaans morning paper, “Die Transvaler,” the board wanted to know without further delay whether or not New Zealand was going to come to South Africa. Dr. Craven expressed bitter disappointment that the New Zealand board did not" make a final decision at its meeting on Friday. He said: “We should realise that if the All Blacks do not come, South Africa wants time to invite another international team to tour this season. From our* point of view there is nothing in the way. ‘‘lf the Scottish Rugby team is satisfied to come here under the present circumstances to play three matches, why not New Zealand? Dr. Craven said he would send a cable to New Zealand as soon as possible. He said there was a possibility the executive of the South African Rugby Board would meet this week to discuss the matter. Dr. Craven said he was surprised that while negotiations with. South Africa were still prothe chairman of the New .Zealand union was reported to have said that New Zealand was awaiting further information from the Argentine with a view to a possible New Zealand tour of that country this season.