MAORIS’ TOUR

Southland Times, Issue 25361, 13 August 1935, Page 7

MAORIS’ TOUR

FINANCIAL SUCCESS COMMENT ON SATURDAY’S MATCH CONVINCING WIN (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Sydney, August 12. Commenting on the Maoris’ defeat of New South Wales the Sydney Morning Herald says: “The Maoris won in convincing fashion and the margin between the scores should have been larger as the Maoris missed several golden chdhces. Time after time the defence was beaten, but the Maoris could not apply the correct finish to their movements. Nepia, H. Harrison and C. Smith were outstanding in the Maoris’ back division. The home team were disappointing.” The Daily Telegraph says: “If the display of the New South Wales team reflects this State’s talent and ability, years of a Rugby Union famine are ahead. Shaken into disarray by the battering ram tactics of the touring forwards in the first quarter of an hour, the home team never regained any semblance-of balance and with a shade more of the luck their way the Maoris might easily have doubled the winning margin.” The Telegraph says that the possibility of the Maoris’ stay being extended owing to the shipping sfrike is causing some bother, not only in the Maori ranks, but to New South Wales officials. Should the Maoris have to stay on at Sydney it will take a slice of the New South Wales Union’s profits of the tour. It costs about £4O a day to keep the team, and if the players are held up that will continue to be the responsibility of the New South Wales Rugby Union. The Telegraph adds: “New South Wales Rugby Union officials are smiling now. The Maoris’ tour nearly fell through because some folk considered it would prove unprofitable. Here is the answer—Saturday’s crowd assured the New South Wales Union of approximately £BOO profit, Queensland of £5OO and Victoria of £200.” Nepia, sustained injuries to his ribs in Saturday’s match, and will probably be X-rayed to-day.