MISCONSTRUED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12392, 11 March 1926, Page 7

MISCONSTRUED

REMARKS BY FENDER ADMIRER OF THE AUSTRALIANS DISCLAIMER MADE By Telegraph.—Pres Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. March 9. The evening newspapers publish Australian comment on P. G. H. Fender’s remarks, regretting that a controversy lias arisen on the eve of the team’s departure. The “Evening Standard” publishes an interview with Fender in which he points out that his remarks have been misconstrued in Australia. After a speech, he answered questions for two hoilrs. Apparently these, pieced together, conveyed the impression of a continuous speech. “It it not possible.” said Mr Fender, “to suggest that anything I referred to there, dealt with unsports, manship. It referred to tactics and strategy employed by Australians, which Englishmen seldom use. I instanced Armstrong’s leg theory in the Fourth Test in 1921. I particularly emphasised that the Australians did not play a dirty game, i credited them with having studied the game more than Englishmen do; also with practising the results of their studies. When these are adopted and the ring

does not agree, they are apt to think Australians are not playing the game. I repeatedly said that the charge waa untrue.”

Mr Fender, in a special article in the “Evening Standard.” reiterates his disclaimer of any intention to attack Australian sportsmanship. He says: “No one has a greater respect for the Australians and a greater admiration for their powers than I. I admire their tactics and have often tried to copy some of their methods. The Australians will surprise me if they don’t produce some new methods this tour.”