NEW ZEALAND VERSUS REST

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 34, 9 August 1934, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND VERSUS REST

OTAGO SURPRISED

Surprise attlio playing of a mutch New Zealand v. Tho Best, at Wellington, on tho New Zealand team's return -from Australia, was expressed in a letter received at last evening's meeting of the New Zealand Hugby Union's management committee from the Otago Rugby Union.

The letter stated:— "In view- of tho fact .th-i: tho North v. South Island -match .is to be played in DuiiediiL on.-September 2!t, we strongly protest' against tho New Zealand team-' playing this match, as if this 'match' is played it will in. all probability prevent a representative .North y. South Island match being played in '.Dunodin. You will realise that Dunodin has had very few star attractions, and the public have been looking,forward to thia game, but if this, proposed''match is played in Wellington on', the New Zealand team's return from Australia, we feel that it will mean that many of the North and South Island leading players will bo unable to come to Dunedin to take part in the match on September 29. Wo therefore trust that your committed' will see its way to reconsider this matter." . . • *

Tho chairman said he did not think the match would, affect tho North-South match. ; :..;..••

Mr. Kitto saiil there had always j>een complaints at not having seen New Zealand teams in action. A match had now been arranged,- "and," he added, "vro have-gone that far that we'cannot, go back on it." Tho only suitable plucos for sueli games, snicl the chairman, were Wellington and Chri&tchurch, having regard for the 'true interests of tho players. "So-far as the North-South match is concerned," he said, "there is no doubt that it will be the most important trial of tho year. Ido not think the match in JVeiiington will make any differonce." ■ • ,

A member remarked that there would have been no complaint had the Now Zealand team been arriving in Duuediu. ■'■■'.'

No action was taken regarding Otago's protest. A request was received, from the Marlborough Rugby Union that , a match, combined Soddon Shield districts v. AH Blacks, bo played at Blenheim. ' Nelson supported Marlborough's request. Arrangements having been made, it was decided that tho request could not bo met. Another application for a special match was received from tho Manawatu Rugby Union, which suggested a. match at Palmerston North between a second New Zealand team and a Maori team, a match which the union stated it had heard was likely to eventuate. It was decided to inform the Manawatu Union that such a match had never been contemplated. A Maori team is to go on tour this season, and Mr. Kingi Tahiwi was appointed manager.