RIVAL FOOTBALL CODES

Evening Star, Issue 17955, 28 April 1922, Page 4

RIVAL FOOTBALL CODES

NORTHERN UNION iEIACE. ATTEMPT TO “ HOBBLE " MAORIS. At- the animal meeting of the Council of Iho New Zealand Rugby Union at Wellington yesterday, reference was made by the president (Mr J. M‘Leod) to t-bo attempt which lie said was being made to influence Maoii Rugby players to play tinder another code. .Just what flops should he taken to meet the position lie could not exactly say. but lie thought that suck men as Mr Rural a, Dr Pomarc, and others who wore associated with the amateur game should endeavor to bring the Maoris to a realisation ns to what they were being led into, tl lie subject was somewhat dillicnlt to speak upon without saying ton much; but they should realise that .Maoris were rather liable to be influenced by such propaganda, and that unless something was done they might easily be won over to another game to the detriment of Rugby. He thought that if an appeal was made (o Maori players it would go home, and tho position would ho well met. Natives should he made to thoroughly understand what was happening. An attempt was being made to win the Maori over to Northern Union. That was the last 'thing they wanted to .sec happen. .Many of (he best players in the country were .Maoris, and, generally, they made lie Iter amateurs than other players, (t would he a, sad thing ind-od if a, large .section of these players were won over, not nndcr-tanding whither they were being led. The union must take cognisance of the position, and do all it could to prevent development':. LEAGUE SEEKS BOY RECRUITS. ALLEGE TEACHERS INIMICAL. [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 27. A deputation from the Rugby League waited on the Hon. C. J. Parr requesting that school children, dr their parents, bo allowed freedom of choice in regard to tho football codo they played under. It was alleged that teachers were using jail urneo to prevent scholars playing tho League game. Th-o Minister said that officers of tho department would not take aides. lie wanted to ceo the children grow up healthy in body and playing chain sport. Ho r imp -ted that the League authorities endeavor to con vei l teachers to tiro League game. They had nothing to fear from tho department so far as having a clear field was concerned. He would inquire into tho matter.