AN OUTRAGEOUS REPORT

NZ Truth, Issue 827, 17 September 1921, Page 6

AN OUTRAGEOUS REPORT

The Springboks — Maori Game

" Described "

Extraordinary Document Repudiated

by S. Africans.

The tour through New Zealand of the Springboks has been marred by one or two unfortunate incidents. "Truth" would not. refer to this matter here had not a much more unfortunate matter come under its notice. The troubles so far have been small m their way, and if "Truth" did have to make reference to the trouble at the Dunedin test match, this paper was actuated by the best of motives m hoping that the facts as stated should be an object lesson, a warning to the football crowds m other centres. The whole matter should have been forgotten now but, unfortunately, it is revived by an unpleasant report that has come Into "Truth's" hands. It is alleged that the following is A COPY OF A REPORT of the Springboks — Maori match forwarded to South African newspapers by someone travelling with the Springboks' team: Most unfortunate match ever played^ Only result great pressure being.' brought to bear on Bennett induced them to meet Maoris, who as- . sisted largely entertainment Springboks. Bad enough having play team officially - designated New Zealand natives, but spectacle thousands Europeans frantically cheering on band of colored men to defeat members of own race was too much for Springboks, who frankly disgusted. That was not the The crowd was most unsportsmanlike experienced on the tour, especially section who lost all control of their feelings. When not booing referee, they indulged m sarcastic remarks at his expense.

On many occasions Africans were hurt. Crowd, without waiting for possibility of immediate recovery, shouted, "Take him off!" "Take him off !"

Their faithful colored allies proved loyal to £rew Zealand, for, m addition to serious injury to Kruger's leg, Van Heerden ihad to stay off field for fifteen minutes. Others were limping badly.

Maoris flung their weight .about regardless of niceties of the game.

if such a message was sent to South African press it is an outrageous report, and an insult to all New Zealanders, for I the Maoris are more New Zealanders than their white fellow countrymen. "Truth" will not bother about attempting to refute the report, for the whole thing. IS TOO BAD FOR WORDS. We cannot for a moment imagine that the message bears the imprimatur of the whole team, for the South Africans have proved, themselves too decent to suspect them of such. If the message is genuine, then it was obviously sent by one member of the visitors, unknown to his associates. We are sure that now the matter has been given publicity that the team as a whole will either refute the suggestion that such a message was ever sent, or that, if sent, it will be contradicted, and tho •sender severely sat upon and silenced. MANAGER REPUDIATES THE REPORT. In fairness to the Springboks 'Truth" brought the .above allegations under the notice of the manager of the team (Mr. Bennett). Mr. Bennett promptly repudiated the report. "The writer of the report," he stated, "had not authority to use the. sentiments expressed therein as those of the team. The statements m it do not represent the feelings of the team, and we regret very much that it has ever been sent. If sent, we have no doubt that the South African papers will not publish it. We very much regret that the unfortunate statement has ever been usaae.'-* Mr.. Senne'tt fipok© eti*mgly and with efiblent sind&rHy on the tmat* teti ahd this paper has no hesitation -ttt faii'tttHtfie' , Hie StiMHaWite}"' fttf.j* who.ia §i uaylng any assfjciatian *w}th c'na outrageous document.