N.Z. FOOTBALL COUNCIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11225, 2 June 1922, Page 8

N.Z. FOOTBALL COUNCIL

DELEGATES TO RUGBY UNION PROPOSED TOUR OF ENGLISH TEIAM. A meeting of the New Zealand Football Oounoil wag liold lost evening, present Messrs C. ‘Fordham (chairman), B. L. Salmond (kon. secretary), W. Reynolds (assistant kon. secretary), A. Menzios (Southland), H. I. Graves (hon. treasurer), J. M. Olliver (Auckland). W. J. Forking (Taranaki), F. Campbell (Wanganui), R» Y. Walls (Wellington), W. G. Bryce (Canterbury), F. Saunders (Nelson) - Mr A. Morgan and Mr S. Storey, of the Australian team, were also present. ATHLETIC PARK FOR TEST. A letter was received from the Wellington. Rugby Union, granting the use of Athletic Park on June 2Aih for the test match Australia v. New Zealand on the basis of 25 per cent, gross gate (less charges of gatekeepers), the association to use its best endeavours to obtain for the union the Basin Reserve on that date, as they found it impossible to postpone matches on that day. Mr Walls said that if the Rugby Union were given the Basin Reserve on the day of the test match it would place a heavy stick in their hands. They had not helped to make Saturday’s game a success by putting on the Pe-tone-Poneke match. If the test was played at Athletic Park 75 per cent, of the people would have to go by the Basin Reserve, and a strong attraction' there might seriously interfere with their gate. If it was proposed to put a,n important match on the Basin Reserve he considered it would be a mistake to place such a weapon in their hands. Neither did he like the idea of Jetting the Rugby Union have 25 per cent, of the gate and give them a strong hand on the Basin Reserve. DEPUTATION TO RUGBY UNION. Mr Menzies said all felt strongly that what Mr Walls had said was correct, and they should take strong action and bring the force of public opinion to make the Rugby Union abandon their matches on that date. The association met the Rugby Union last season by postponing tbeir matches when the Springboks were here. A deputation should wait upon the Rugby Union to discuss the matter.

Mr Mayer said he did not think the Rugby Union were trying to assist the tour, for if they wished to assist there was nothing to prevent them putting off their matches. If no satisfactory answer was received from the Rugby Union lie would be inclined to stick to the Basin Reserve for the match. Mr Campbell said he thought the game they would put on the Basin Reserve would Joe Athletic v. Berhamjpore. He thought if a strong deputation waited upon the Rugby Union on Tuesday the union would call the games off on the day of the test. They could not expect the lead to come "from the union. He moved that a deputation wait upon the union. Mr Graves seconded the proposal, which was carried unanimously, and Messrs Fordham, Menzies, and Mayer were elected delegates. HELP TO EXPENSES. Mr W. Irons wrote enclosing a contribution of £1 Is towards the expenees of the Australian tour. Mr Graves, in moving that thanks be returned, said he was glad to see old players taking an interest in the financial side of the tour. He only wished there were more of them. MEDICAL ATTENTION. Mr Salmon reported that three injured Australian players—Maunder, Fisher and Dane —had that day been thoroughly overhauled by Dr Wilson, and Mr Morgan was satisfied with the report made upon them. —Tt was decided to write thanking Dr Wilson for his courtesy and to invite him to attend the test match. TRAINING. It was decided to send the New Zealand players selected for training for the test match to Porirua, where they would have the benefit of the hospital ground for practice, and the Hospital Club would also provide a team to give them a try out. Mr O'Connell's offer to attend at Porirua to rub the men down was accepted, and Mr Colin Reid was appointed trainer of the team. WELCOME EVERYWHERE. Mr Reynolds reported upon the ‘hearty

character of the receptions at Nelson rind Wanganui, and said 'that the Australians were proving themselves a "fine set of fellows and real good sports.” Mr Morgan, manager of the Australian team, said he had to present greetings from New South Wales and Queensland. He congratulated New Zealand on the way in which the tour had been arranged, and so far as what had been done was concerned, if it continued Australia would never be able adequately to return the compliment. There was nothing his team wanted or anticipated but was already anticipated in advance. He expressed thanks to them all, specially mentioning officials at Wellington, Wanganui and Nelson. PROPOSED ENGLISH TOUR. Mr Storey spoke upon the proposed tour of an English team, and said that the suggestion was, if the limited liability company was formed the receipts should be pooled and divided pro rata by the participating bodies. It was hoped to complete the financial arrangements by September 30th. If the English Association agreed to send out a team they would not do other than accept the offer, and arrange for the tour. Mr Barlow, of Australia, president of the Commonwealth Association, was willing to come over to New Zealand and do anything he could tA arrange'the tour. He would like the New Zealand Council to consider the proposal very stftn, so that they could decide what to-do, and also before they returned to Australia they would like to arrange the return visit to Australia by the New Zealand team. He would urge, however, that if an English team came to Australasia, Association football would never look back. Mr Salmon suggested that the matter be referred to the special finance committee appointed in connection with the tour, and they could discuss it with the Australian representatives when they returned to Wellington for the test match.

Mr Storey said the itinerary suggested allowed four Saturdays in July for New Zealand.

Mr Graves said he did not think that would be long enough. The chairman said the visitors would realise by the time they finished the tour what was entailed in a tour of New Zealand

The matter will be considered by the committee.