COLOUR-LINE BAR

Evening Post, Issue 28, 1 August 1936, Page 13

COLOUR-LINE BAR

MAORI & SPRINGBOK

SETTLEMENT URGED

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, July 31.

Support for the Arawa memorial on the question of the Springbok Rugby team's visit was given by a meeting of Marlborough Maori football enthusiasts at Wairau Pa, when the matter was discussed at length. The meeting was of the opinion that a grave misunderstanding was created through the non-inclusion of Maori players in the New Zealand team which toured South Africa in 1928, although two years before the Maori All Blacks toured Great Britain, France, and Canada.

The statement of the South African Rugby Union president that the Springboks were willing to meet the Maoris was appreciated, but the question arose whether it applied to tours of South Africa, by All Blacks including Maoris. The meeting considered the colour bar question should be settled once and for all by the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Maori Advisory Board. The meeting was presided over by Mr. J. McDonald, a member of the Maori Advisory Board and a representative of the. Maoris on the Marlborough Rugby Union.

The Maoris of Waikawa and Picton unanimously decided not to play against the Springboks or entertain them until the whole matter has been satisfactorily settled.