MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19452, 7 October 1926, Page 11

MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

WELSH TROUBLE SETTLED. VISITORS CONCEDE POINTS. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z.-Sun. LONDON. Oct. 5. It is announced that -the trouble between tho Maori footballers and the Welsh Rugby Union has been settled and that the former will play the four matches in Wales under the Welsh rules. Although tho Daily Chronicle and other papers seek to minimise tho difference of opinion and suggest that tho original trouble was based on a misunderstanding, this is not borne out by the correspondence exchanged between Mr.. Wray and Mr. Martin, secretary of tho Newport Club. Tho letters show that Mr. Martin raised 'tho question of referees early in September. Ho pointed out that the Newport match would havo to <bo played under Welsh rules. His letter was sent to Parata. Mr. Wray wrote on October 1 saying he had heard from Parata and it was clear he intended to take the stand that English referees should bo appointed for the Welsh matches. Further tho Maoris would insist on playing under English rules. Unfortunately tho matter was immediately mentioned in the newspapers and Mr. Wray telegraphed to Mr. Martin saying ho did not think publicity would assist toward a settlement. HS suggested that subject to Parata's confirmation tho Welsh matches should be played nnder the International Board's rules. Mr. Wray finally telegraphed to Paris to-day laying the whole matter before tho officials of tho French Rugby Federation and suggesting that Parata and Harris should be asked fyo meet them in Paris immediately. He added that his personal view was that they must allow the Welsh Union to appoint referees. Apparently there was very strong feeling in Wales and tho matter was urgent. Immediate action was necessary. Tho result of Mr. Wray's telegram seems to be that Parata withdrew his objection to Welsh referees and assented to the four games being played under Welsh rules. CONFERENCE IN LONDON. RULES AGREEMENT SOUGHT. (Received 5.5 p.m.) Sun. LONDON. Oct. 5. A conference of English Rugby Unions is to bo held in London this week. Tho object is to come to an agreement as to the application of rules in matches, between English and Welsh clubs. One English club has intimated that it will only play under English rules. Tho Evening News says tho International Board has decided that tho New South Wales team will play under international rales.