THE "AUSTRALASIAN" PROJECT

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 49, 26 August 1933, Page 20

THE "AUSTRALASIAN" PROJECT

Once again the already much-dis-cussed idea of a visit from an English or Scottish team has been revived. The matter was brought up at this week's meeting of the council of the New Zealand Football Association when a letter was read from the council's representative in England (Brigadier-General W. R. N. Madocks). It was first suggested that a Home team should visit Australia, and extend the tour to New Zealand, playing .only in the Dominion at the four main centres. This proposal, which was first submitted by Australia, was withdrawn in favour of a proposal that an Australian side should visit England, and possibly the Continent. Brigadier-General Madocks suggested to the New Zealand Council the possibility of the inclusion of New Zealand players in the side. The question of a visit from a Home side has been discussed, at length previously, and the conclusion arrived at has been that such a visit would be possible only with the co-operation of Australia. New Zealand has already had experience of bringing a team from, far overseas, and the council would probably not wish to run the risk of a big financial loss such as that sustained over the Canadian visit. The proposition that an Australian side should include several New Zealanders, and thereby be an Australasian team, is, to say the least, unique, but there are many obvious difficulties in the way of such a suggestion becoming an accomplished fact. No doubt no New Zealanders would object to inclusion in the team, but what of Australia 's attitude ? However, BrigadierGeneral Madocks's suggestion is no more than a suggestion, and it is to be noted in his letter that he stated that when he had made the suggestion he had not consulted either the English or Australian authorities. He indicated that he would do so. He also said that he would like to learn the views of the New Zealand Council on the matter.