MAORI DEMANDS

Wairarapa Age, 6 October 1926, Page 5

MAORI DEMANDS

THE DISPUTE WITH WALES. RULES AND REFEREES. AST ANIMATED DISCUSSION. The Maori Rugby team now on tour in France is seriously at odds with the Welsh Rugby Union and the prospect is raised that projected matches against Welsh teams may be cancelled. In the latest phase of the dispute, it seems possible that an agreement may be reached regarding referees, but the Welsh Union refuses to modify its insistence on the offside rule to which the Maoris object. LONDON, October 4. The Maoris were offered the services of a prominent English referee, to whom they object, requesting another. The “Evening News” points out that the new rule is designed to speed up the game, and to prevent objectionable play. It was not thought that the Maoris would object, but they seem disinclined to vary their style. Some Welshmen resent the slur cast on Welsh impartiality, while others think the objection might be upheld to suit the visitors’ emergency standards.— (A. and N.Z.) “ASKING FOR TROUBLE.” “WHEN IN ROME DO AS THE ROMANS DO.” LONDON, October 4. Colonel Philip Trevor, in the “Daily Telegraph” says:—“l always felt that the Welshmen were asking for trouble with this ordnance, but it came sooner than I expected. Nevertheless it was a good rule, ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do,’ and I find it hard to believe that the Maoris objected to Welsh referees. The Welsh Union can scarcely be blamed if it is inclined to regard the objection as a slur on the efficiency and impartiality of Welsh referees. It is to be hoped that the seemingly unnecessary trouble will be satisfactorily adjusted before the Maoris arrive. The Maoris on the warpath would be an interesting sight. This was all right in the olden days, but they now belong to us, and we want to see them henceforward playing the game and not fighting for fight.”— (A. and N.Z.)

THE PROBABLE OUTCOME. MR, PARATA FOLLOWING PRECEDENT. LONDON, October 4. The Australian Press Association understands that the reported breach between the Maoris and Wales regarding the Welsh tour is not likely to result in cancellation of the matches. Mr. Parata, the manager, refuses to play under the Welsh rules because he is already experiencing difficulty in France with local referees’ interpretation, and is unwilling to play under different rules in different countries.

Mr. C. J. Wray (New Zealand representative on the English Rugby Union and the Maoris’ London representative) has telegraphed to the Welsh Union suggesting that they play the Welsh games under the International Board rules recently adopted by the English Union. Mr. Parata is only following precedent in requesting neutral referees, and Mr Wray thinks that matters will be settled amicably.—(A. and N.Z.) WELSH UNION’S STAND. MATCHES MAY LAPSE. LONDON, October 4. The Welsh Rugby Union Committee it demanding that none of the four clubs playing the Maoris shall contract out of the Welsh rules. The committee also uphold its rule regarding the appointment of referees. Thousands of tickets have already been sold, but the games may be cancelled.—(A. and N.Z.)