BREACH WIDENS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17157, 6 October 1926, Page 7

BREACH WIDENS

DISPUTE WITH MAORIS WELSH UNION’S ATTITUDE CANCELLATION INEVITABLE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.} (Sydney Sun Cables.) LONDON, October I. ‘ The Welsh Rugby Union’s decision lias widened the breach with ihe Maoris. Although it permits the clubs lo agree to the selection of a referee if insisls upon the use of tin off-side rule, lo which the Maoris object. It is expected the cancellation ■ the matches is now unavoidable, although thousands of tickets have been sold. Mr. Wray si ill hopes, however, that an nmieabie settlement will be reached. “THE MAORIS ARE RIGHT” - DEFENDED BY CRITIC (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.! LONDON, October o. Frank Mitchell, in an article in tho Morning Post, says: “Rugby football is a game requiring go, solid pluck, and the Welsh Union’s rule lias taken away part of the game that needed pluck and ability. It can’t bo difficult to be a scrum half if your opponent is not allowed to molest you. The Maoris are right in their objection to being asked to play under rules not sanctioned by the International Board. “Tlie referees’ power is a different matter. flow can the Maoris know about Welsh referees? It is astonishing that tin' Maoris have entered a protest. . It can only be surmised that they are not getting the best advice. A little more sportsmanship and a little less haggling will soon put things right.’’ FOUR PLAYERS INJURED BOTH GEMMELLS LAID UP. j (Sydney Sun Cables.) LONDON, October 4. ! Recent games have taken a severe toll of the'Maoris. J'. Gemmell broke the small bone of his ankle at Lyons, and S. Gemmell has water on tho knee as the result of injuries received in the same game. The wound suffered by Barclay at Narbonne necessitated four stitches and W. Robinson suffered slight concussion.