Train Journey Shocks Maoris

Northern Advocate, 25 May 1949, Page 6

Train Journey Shocks Maoris

CANBERRA Wed.—The members of the New Zealand Maori Rugby team, who arrived on Monday, complained bitterly of the conditions during their 18-hour train journey from Melbourne.

The train broke down and the team reached Albury two and a half hours late.

At Albury they boarded an antiquated unheated carriage attached to a line of sleepers. The trip from Albury to Goulburn was described as "a shocki.ig experience.” Owing to the late arrival at Gc.ilburn, the Maoris missed breakfast and could get only sandwiches. All were cold, miserable and hungi'y

Having missed their connection to Canbei-ra the Maoris were brought on later by a special train. The New Zealand High Commissioner (Mr J. G. Barclay) met the team on its arrival. “It is doubtful if any future Maori team will agree to playing in Victoria unless it gains a guarantee of proper travel facilities from the State,” says the Sydney Morning Herald correspondent, Frank Tierney, who is travelling with the team. ENTERTAINED AT CANBERRA “The experiences of the team on Sunday night in the journey from Melbourne to Canberra stand as a commentary on the lack of attention to travel detail by the Victorian Rugby Union. “Admittedly, the union could not be held responsible for the breakdown of the train, but some arrangement should have been made for sleeper accommodation.”

The Maoris’ feelings were relieved somewhat on arrival at CanbeiTa when they were accommodated at the near palatial Lawley Guest House, which was to have been used for the Royal visit.

The Maoris were entertained on Monday afternoon by the GovernorGeneral (Mr McKell), and in the evening attended a dinner given by Mr Barclay.