RUGBY VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22909, 11 December 1937, Page 14

RUGBY VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

Throughout the Dominion the amended decision of the New Zealand Rugby Football Council with reference to the next visit of a representative team to Australia should be heartily approved. Doubtless it will be. In its new form, the decision deals satisfactorily with two aspects of the matter. First is recorded the determination of New Zealand to honour its agreement to send a team in 1938. By this action is rescinded the previous resolution, in the terms of which it was decided not to send a team next year. Discovery of a forgotten agreement concerning the matter made this change of attitude imperative. Agreements ought to be scrupulously honoured. Forgetfulness of this one was as unfortunate as it is surprising, and to repair the oversight as soon as possible was a plain "duty. There were reasons for the council's recent attitude, now abandoned; they are sufficiently indicated by the view that a constant interchange of visits, year by year, is detrimental to club football and that an occasional break in the sequence should be accordingly made. Nevertheless, the existence of a definite undertaking, in this instance, must take precedence of that consideration. To inform New South Wales of New Zealand's readiness to stand by such an undertaking was clearly right, for that State, particularly concerned in the Australian sesqui-centennial celebrations next year, may be especially anxious for the visit as a feature of these celebrations. New Zealand appreciates that desire, and will gladly co-operate should it stiil be felt. On the other hand, should postponement until 1939 be acceptable, this will coincide with New Zealand's wish. The decision is consequently left for final consideration with the Australian Union. Whatever the outcome, New Zealand will loyally abide by it.