RUGBY FOOTBALL Maoris and Tour of South Africa

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1947, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL Maoris and Tour of South Africa

(P.A.) AUCKLAND. This Day. The opinion that no South African Rugby player would refuse to play against Maoris, but that the atmosphere off the playing field would undoubtedly prove difficult should Maoris be included in-the All Black team to visit Africa, next yeai, was expressed to-Uay by Mr. J. Piospei, formerly of Christchurch, and now a prominent Johannesburg businessman, who has been closely associated with sport in South Africa for 11 years- , . ~ Only those who had lived in the country could fully appreciate the extent of the bitterness of the colourbar question, he said. A number of prominent Springboks had publicly stated that Maoris should be included in the team, but had qualified the opinion by adding that it would be a different matter off the football ground.. Mr. Prosper pointed out that a Maori,, unaccompanied by other members of the team would not be allowed in places of entertainment, bars or hotels if he wandered round on his own. Almost certainly he would meet with annoyances and possibly, insults. This was an extremely difficult problem which would have to be handled with great care. South Africa, he added, was eagerly awaiting the All Blacks. The Springboks forwards were right up to the best African standard, but, with one or two exceptions, there were no really brilliant backs so far in sight,