COLOUR BAR WOULD HIT THE MAORIS IN AFRICA

Chronicle (Levin), 14 February 1947, Page 7

COLOUR BAR WOULD HIT THE MAORIS IN AFRICA

—Press Association

By Telegrap.u-

AUCKLAND, Fcb. 13. The ojiinion that 110 Houth African Kugby piave r would refuse to plav against Maoris, but that the atmcisphere olf the playing field would unduubtedly prove difficult sliould '.Maoris be included in the All Black team to visit Africa next year, was expressed today by Mr. J. Prosper, foriucrly of Christchurch, now a promiuent Johannesbuiy business 111a.11, who lias been closely associated with the sport in Africa for 11 years. Only tliose who had lived in the country could fully appreciate the extent of. the bitterness of the colour bar question, he said. A number of prominent Springboks had publicly stated that Maoris sliould be included in tlie team, but had qualilied the opinion by addiug that it would be a diHcrent niatter off the football ground. Mr. Prosper pointed out that a Alaori uiiaccompanicd by other mcmbers of the team would not be allowed at placcs of entertainnient, bars, or hotels. If he wandered round 011 his own he would almost certainly nieet with annoyances and possibly insults. It was an extrcmely difiicult problein, which would have to be handled with grcat care. South Africa, he added, was eagcrlv awaiting the .All Blacks. The Springbok forwards were right up to the best South African standard, but, with oue or two exeeptions, there were 110 reallv brilliant backs so far in sight.