FOOTBALL.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 278, 29 May 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

. • [PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington. May 29. The New Zealand Rugby Union has received advice from Mr Palliser that 'the visit of the British Rugby team next year is assured. Bradford, one of the strongest Yorkshire professional Rugby clubs, has succumbed for want of support, and their ground has been taken over by an amateur club. Dunedin, May 29. The Dunedin Star says that a letter last January to twenty-eight secretaries of the Northern Union, in which it was promised a better combination of original "All Blacks" would be sent Home, emanated from a Wellington player, who looked to becoming the Assistant Manager of the team, and who was' an advertising agent, press reporter, etc.. and now his much, cherished hope is doubtful of realisation. What took place may thus be outlined. According to the Star information, the team was to consist of twenty-five players, and they would play for six months, as against three months by the "All Blacks." Then there was a chance of them playing there several seasons. On joining some of the clubs at Home, they could put in the summer by appearing at some of the big sports meetings, and they might possibly take from £10,000 to £20,000, during the first football season. This player, who took upon himself the work of opening up negotiations, and t another, had a good team in their eye all this time. Many of our most prominent players (some of them "All Blacks") were all prepared to go, but there were a few whom it was not considered wise to approach right away. The only trouble was that there might be too many appearing. The next point which had to be considered was the question of financing the team* Home, but this was to be easily fixed up by the wealthier players putting down sufficient, some £200 and others £60, to see them all through. All the profits at Home were to be cut up among players. If the full amount could not be raised, the issuing of a few debentures would see everything all right. The*quickest route Home would be through the Suez Canal; then, again, it would be more enjoyable, but it also had another advantage. Those members of the team selected to visit Australia next month could take part in the matches there, and a few days after the last match catch the Orient liner for Home. All the final arrangements could be fixed up at Christchurch next month, on the occasion of the North y. South Island match. But this is where the New Zealand Union stepped in with their bombshell , declaration. This declaration must have caused quite a Btir in the camp in Wellington, and just at the time when all seemed clear for wiring the date of the commencement of the tour in England. At a meeting which was to be held in Christchurch, the manager was to be appointed, and the Selection Committee elected to finally choose the team " from the thirty who were willing to go." This number must now be materially reduced. The following players will represent Feildmg Seniors in their match with Hnimai, to be played on the Racecourse on Saturday: — Backs : Trevena, Goodbehere, Price (2), Piranijßout, Ongley; forwards : Reed, Whisker (2), Taylor, Ashworth, ttyan, Rosoman, and Watts. • The following have promised to represent Feilding Juniors against Ashhurst, at Asbhurst : — Sacks, Thompson, Harding, Prior, Wabhe, Cousins, HammondT Broughton; forwards, Taylor, Hanhahl, Ashworth, Anderson, Cobbe, Hobbs, Woods, Younger; eraerg., Howes, Thompson. The ooach will leave the Square at 1.15. The team are requested to roll up at the Carbine Stables for practice, at 7 o'clock.