“UNION SLAPPED IN FACE”

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1927, Page 9

“UNION SLAPPED IN FACE”

AUCKLAND’S INDIGNATION CLAIM FOR ALL BLACK TRIAL GAME UNFAIRLY TREATED BY CENTRE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A letter from the New Zealand Rugby Lnion setting out the arrangements for the All Black trials this season gave rise to a good deal of discussion and sharp criticism at a meeting of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union to-night.

Mr. A. S. Belcher moved that a strong protest be sent to the New Zealand Union against its action in not arranging one bigger trial to be played in Auckland. The only argument that eould be adduced against such a step being taken was the question of expense. This he averred would be more than compensated for by the gate takings. In seconding the motion, Mr. T. Courtey said: “The sooner we get on our hind legs the mo-re likely they are to take notice of us in the south.” Mr. Belcher said that the New Zealand Union slapped Auckland in the face at every opportunity it got. “We should let the New Zealand Union see that we are not going to be downtrodden the same way as we have been for years now,” he added. The chairman (Mr. H. Frost) said he thought arrangements had been made for convenience in travelling. He suggested that as Mr. E. McKenzie, a member of the New Zealand Union and the chairman of the All Blacks selection committee, would be in town the following day, it would be a good idea to meet him officially on the subject. The mover and seconder agreed to withdraw their motion in favour of the course suggested by the chairman. It was then resolved that, after the union 'had conferred with Mr. McKenzie, a letter to the New Zealand Union should be drafted.