ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20472, 28 July 1928, Page 11

ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS

MAYOR AND LEAGUE OFFICIALS. DEADLOCK REGARDING RECEPTION. {Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, July 27. “ I am prepared to do the right thing. I think I am a sportsman, but I told the officials of the New Zealand League this morning that I could not consider their request until the* demand for a reception had been withdrawn and any misconceptions had been cleared up, said the Mayor (Mr G. Baildon) in connection with the impasse that has arisen regarding the giving of a civic reception to the team of English League footballers due in Auckland next week. “ My position is perfectly clear,” added the Mayor. “ I was asked to tender a civic reception at noon on Tuesday, and I agreed providing the gathering did not conflict with the functions in connection with the visit of the Japanese squadron. I found later that the official calls in connection with the visit had been arranged for Tuesday morning and that, it would not be possible to proceed with the arrangements for welcoming the footballers. I advised Mr James Carlaw of the fact and suggested that I should visit the footballers later at their hotel and speak a few words of welcome. The next I knew about the matter was when I read a paper this morning and saw that strong exception was being taken to my attitude.” A deputation had since waited on him, said the Mayor. He drew its attention to the newspaper report, and said the demand for a reception must be withdrawn before he could consider the matter. A deadlock has now apparently arisen as the Mayor has not been approached further by the league.