DISPUTE SETTLED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17158, 7 October 1926, Page 7

DISPUTE SETTLED

THE MAORIS AND WALES VISITORS GIVE WAY. DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED. (Elee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. October (5. The manager of the Maori Rugby team declared at Clermont Ferrand that they are prepared to meet the Welsh, submitting the rules question to the International Board, and being lioiind by its decision. Though the Daily Chronicle and other newspapers state that the Maoris' trouble with Wales has blown over' and seek to minimise the difference of opinion, the suggestion that the original trouble is based on a misunderstanding is not borne , out by correspondence exchanged between Mr. Wray, the Maoris' representative in England, and Mr. Martin, secretary of the Newport Club. The letters show that Mr. Martin raised the question of a referee early in September, pointing out that the Newport match would have to be plavetl under the Welsh rules. The letters were sent on to Mr. Parnta, causing ■ Mr. Wray to write on October I.—" I heard again from Mr. Pa rat a. It is clear he intends to take the stand definitely that English referees should be appointed for the Welsh matches, and, further, that the Maoris will insist on playing under English rules. Therefore, there seems the possibility of a deadlock." Uiifortunately, the matter was immediately mentioned to the newspapers causing Mr. Wray to telegraph to Mr. Martin.—"l am sorry to see a statement in the press. I don't' think publicity will assist flic settlement. I suggest, subject to Mr. Parata's confirmation, that the matches lie played under the International Board rules." Mr. Wray, on October ;", finally telegraphed Paris, laying the whole matter nefore M.M. Rigaud, Rolland, and Rutherford, of the Federation Francais De Rugby, suggesting * that Messrs. Pa rata and Harris be asked to meet them in Paris immediately. Mr. Wray added: —"My personal view is that we must allow the Welsh Union to appoint the referees if these cannot be agreed to with the Welsh clubs. Apparently there is very strong feeling in Wales on the matter. Urgent and immediate action is necessarv " The consequence of Mr. Wray's letter seems to be that Mr. Parata has withdrawn his objection to Welsh referees and-has assented to four game? being played under the Welsh rules. BARCLAY'S INJURY BELL CAPTAINS TEAM TO-DAY (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.'/ (Received October 7, lLtt.m.) PARIS, October 6. Barclay's injury at Narbonne prevents his playing against Central France at Clermont Ferrand to-morrow. Bell will captain the team.