SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 19840, 13 April 1928, Page 10

SOCCER

PROPOSED VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN TEAM

THE TOUR OFF [Peb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 12. The Council of the New Zealand Football Association mot to-night. Ihe following is a summary of the replies received from the various associations in respect of the proposed Australian tour The Wellington Association ottered £4UO for a test match and provincial games, but otherwise did not agree to the tour. The Otago Association approved of the tour, and said it would give the necessary guarantee, but wished to secure more information regarding the rate of profits, which, it contended, should be pro rata to the guarantees. The Otago Association also suggested that North island players should not play in the South Island test match, and vice versa regarding the Auckland match, both islands to be drawn on for the test match in Wellington. The Auckland Association supported the tour provided a game was played at Auckland at the opening of the tour, and that the final test was played at Auckland.

South Auckland was against the tour on the ground mainly of the doubtful strength of the visitors. Westland offered to guarantee £SO, and asked for a match against Australia. North Auckland reported that it had referred the matter to a general meeting on April 12. _ Southland replied that owing to indefinite information it would be unable to accept a match Otago and Southland v. Australia at Invercargill. Canterbury offered -to guarantee £l5O for a Saturday match, but only £SO for a Wednesday match at Christchurch.

Taranaki replied that thc._ matter would be reviewed at a meeting, but the opinion was expressed that the guarantee would be forthcoming. South Canterbury suggested that the tour be not entertained. A letter was received from the chairman of the Australian Football Association stating that the team which it was proposed to send to New Zealand would be superior to the side which visited New Zealand in 1922. New South Wales and Queensland would possibly have ten representatives, and seven would probably be chosen from the other States. The Chairman: It amounts to this: that only two associations are in favor of the tour—Westland and Otago. It was decided to cable to the Australian Football Association regretting very much that, the tour could not take place owing to the attitude of the associations. In regard to the Football Association’s trophy, it was decided to appoint a delegate from each major association to meet prior to the annual meeting and submit a report and recommendation to the annual meeting. The matter of a visit from a South African team for next season is to be considered at the annual meeting.