SEVERE CRITICISM OF THE TEAM.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 9 January 1908, Page 5

SEVERE CRITICISM OF THE TEAM.

SUCCESS DBI\IORALISES SOME

PLAYERS.

(Received January 8, 10.5 p.m.)

SYDNEY, January 8. In reference to« the "Times' "" comments on tha New Zealand football ,tcara (cabled on December 23rd), the extract was from a lengthy article by a i correspondent, who, in the course of a review of the players and their doings, says: "Tho visit-was a much more serious affair than was generally anticipated. The team certainly is net so good, man for man, as Gallagher's team, but the writer's impression is that,- at their best, they are quite as strong: individually and collectively as a fair international 6icle in this counrty. Unlike Gallagher's team, however, they nave not been careful to keep in goodl condition. The-.financial success of the tour (the SO per cent, of the gross gates, which are theirs by- arrangement with the Northern Union, having already brought in nearly twice, the guaranteed £3000) seems to ihiave demoralised several member of the team, who, when at home, are merely wage labourers, and well content N to earn £2 a week in field or factory. It is'highly probable that the majority of the yis!tors will evontiia.!ly accept engagements with tho Northern Union Clubs."

In the course of the article the writer says: "No doubt the New Zealanders have been., and still are, handicapped by the unfamiliar and unnatural rules invented by the Northern Union. They have not yet overcome the natural desire to try to fcike the ball away from a tackled player."