FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9026, 13 January 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

A CLOSE GAME,

ENGLAND v. NEW ZEALAND,

Received January 12, 4.58 p.m. LONDON, January 12. A match was played yesterday between New Zealand and England. England scored three goals and four tries (13 points) and New Zealand two goals and four tries j(l6 points). Both sides had the strongest teams possible. It was an even game all through. England led at half time by 8 points to 5. New Zealand equalised the score early in the second spell, and there was a great struggle till the end, England winning as above.

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 11. The announcement from Wellington that a wealthy syndicate is prepared to come forward with a sum exceeding £20,000 for the purpose of systematically exploiting Rugby football, as played under the professional code, in the dominion, will not have caused much surprise to those intimately connected with the followers of the game here, though astonishment, and even doubt, might be expressed at the large amount. It is known that the movement is being worked up in Auckland in a systematic manner, though the greatest secrecy is being observed in connection with all that is done. Northern Union literature is being disseminated in the city among players and others. From what can be learned, an attempt will be made to get professional football going in Auckland and other parts ot the dominion, especially in Wellington, in time for next season, and an endeavour, will be made to get a ground at Kingsland. A prominent member of the Auckland Rugby Union, when asked what steps were being taken to counteract the movement, replied that nothing had been done so far, as they had nothing tangible to go upon. In any case the New Zealand Union is likely to be better informed than the local Union, and the parent body would soon decide upon action, and advise the provincial unions accordingly.