FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 24 May 1928, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

ALL BLACKS’ TOUR. (By Telegraph —.Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The New Zealand Rugby team is to lcee]* to the original itinerary drawn up for the South African tour, despite the fact that the Euripides may be a few days late in arriving at Capetown. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Union decided to-night to cable to the manager of the New Zealand team and also to the South African Union that they approved of the opening match of the tour being played on May 30th.

The following cablegram was received from the South African Rugby Union:—“The following is the material part of our wireless message to Mr Tlornig on the 19th: 'Ship expected at Capetown early on Sunday. From a sporting aspect it is vital that the fixture should stand. Its cancellation means bitter public disappointment and a great loss.’ The following reply va-s received: ‘Pleased to play first match as arranged if we arrive Sunday,” “The more I think of it the more I am satisfied that we should play the first match,’.’ remarked'Mr Dean. “The South African Union has gone out of its way to make all arrangements for our team, and I think we should fall in with them 'if possible. The South African Union has arranged an easy match for the opening, and it does not matter greatly whether we win the opening match or not. 1 move that no cable to Mr Ilornig that we have decided that the opening match as arranged should be played, and that the South African Union also be cabled to •tc this effect.” >

Mr E. Wylie agreed that Mr Ilornig should he cabled to, but considered that the final decision should rest with the manager.

Mr Dean: “What does it matter if we do lose the first matchf The South African Union has offered to put the match off until the Thursday.” Mr E’ McKenzie: “We should certainly play the first match if it entails no hardship on the team.”

Mr A. 0. Kitto: “We do not want to lose a match if we can’help it.” Mr Dean’s motion to the effect that Mr Ilornig should be cabled to that the New Zealand Union approved of the opening match against the Country Clubs at Capetown being played, and that, a copy of the cablegram be sent to the South African Union, was carried. An amendment by Mr E. Wylie, leaving the decision to the manager, lapsed for want of a seconder.