SOCCER TOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 108, 7 May 1926, Page 5

SOCCER TOUR

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM'S VISIT

NOT SETTLED YET

NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL'S DECISION.

Ever since last season negotiations have been in progress between the New Zealand Football Association and those controlling Soccer in Australia, with a view to bringing about a tour of New Zealand of an Australian team this season. The tour was doubtful about two months ago, when the Australians asked that an allowance of 10s per day to each man be granted. The Now Zealand Council agreed to this, and it seemed as though the tour would eventuate. However, something like a bombshell fell on the New Zealand Council, when, in addition to the allowance of 10s a day, the Australian authorities asked for 25 per cent, of the profits of the tour. The whole position was reviewed by members of the council at a meeting of £he New Zealand Football Association last evening. Mr. B. L. Salmon was in the chair. When the 25 per cent, demand was placed before the meeting, Mr. A. J.Hyder promptly moved that the whole matter be dropped. His motion was seconded by Mr. F. Sanders. TO CONSIDER THE GAME. Mr. H. I. Groves took a different view. He said he thought that players wei-e looking for something outside the ordinary competitions—Chatham Cup, Association Trophy, and Brown Shield —this season. He had given the matter very serious thought, and it appeared to him that the New Zealand Council was not altogether doing the right thing if they turned down Australia. "We are up against' one or two of them 'over there,' but must realise that we have the game to think of," said Mr. Groves. In regard to the 25 per cent., Mr. Groves said that when the Australians toured New Zealand, the council here made £83 on the deal. When New Zealand went away, the Australians made £900. If the Australians got 25 per cent, of the gate, New Zealand would get 25 per cent, when its team visited Australia. That would be an understanding, and it would also be understood that the Australians would have to send a first-class team. The Australians had learnt a lot from recent tours, and if a first-class team made the trip he felt sure that good gates would result, and money would be made. He proposed as an amendment that the council invite the Australians, and give them the 25 per cent., on the understanding that they give New Zealand 25 per cent, when New Zealand goes to Australia. Mr. Groves added that it would have to be strictly understood that the best team should be sent. Mr. J. J. Roberts pointed out that the allowance of 10s a day per man would amount to about £400 for the tour. Mr. Bryce' seconded the amendment. A DIFFERENT VIEW. Mr. A. J. Hyder said that when he was in Australia in February, he met Mr. Storey, who told him that the players there were anxious for the tour, and that ihey would be quite prepared to make the trip as long as the allowance of 10s was granted. "That was last February," said Mr. Hyder. "We agreed to the 10s, and after they got that they come after us for the 25 per cent, of the profits. It is the principle of the whole thing. I absolutely and strongly object to it." Mr. F. Sanders referred to previous dealings with the Australians, which had not pleased the New Zealand Council. Mr. Roberts said he did not think that it was right that they should try and arrange a tour in three or four weeks' time. The extra money was a lot to make up, and he doubted whether the council could do it. He suggested that they negotiate for a tour in 1927, and that something binding for future tours be come to. AUSTRALIA WANTS THE TOUR. Mr. Salmon said that what he did not like about the" matter was that negotiations were opened by the Australians themselves, who told the New Zealand Council that they wanted to tour New Zealand. His statement, he said, was backed up by what Mr. Hyder stated concerning Mr. Storey's remarks. Mr. Salmon said he did not like the replies of the various associations in Australia, who were not giving the support they should. Mr. Storey was chairman of tho Football Association of Australia and secretary of the New South Wales Football Association. Reading between the lines, it was Mr. Storey who was dictating- the whole thing. "He is a clever fellow," remarked a delegate. Mr. Groves asked whether the council would have any objection to accepting a team on the terms previously offered. Mr. Hyder: "We are quite agreeable to have them without the 25 per cent." Mr: Groves's amendment was defeated. Mr. Hyder's motion was amended to the effect that the New Zealand Council would accept the visit on the old arrangement, which provided for the 10s a day allowance to each visitor, New Zealand to pay all expenses, and take all receipts. It was decided to cable the Australian authorities to this effect. "And put in the cable that the decision is definite," added Mr. Hyder.