PROFESSIONAL FOOTBAIIL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2093, 30 May 1907, Page 2

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBAIIL

THE TEAM FOR ENGLAND,

FULL DETAILS OF THE SCHEME,

Press Association DUNICDIN, last night The Star says that a letter written in last January to tho secretaries oi the Northern Union in which it was promised that a better combination than the original All Blacks would be sent liofne, emanated from a Wellington player who looked forward to becoming assistant manager of the team, advertising agent, press reporter, etc., and now liis much cherished hope is doubtful of realisation. What took place may thus bo outlined : According to the Star’s information the team was to consist of twonty : live players, and they would play lor six months as against three months by the All Blacks. Then there was a chance of them playing there several seasons or joining some of tho clubs at Home. They could put in.the summer by appearing at some ol tho big sports meetings and they might possibly take from £IO,OOO to £20,000 in their' first football season. This player who took upon himsell tho work of opening up negotiations, and another, had- a good team in their eye. All this time many of our most prominent players (sonic of them All Blacks) were all prepared to go, but there were a few whom it. was not considered wise to approach right away: The only trouble was that there might be too many appearing. The next point that had to be considered was the question of financing the team, but this was to be "easily fixed up by tho wealthier players putting down sufficient, some £2OO and others £SO to see them all through. All profits at Home were to be cut up among the players. If tho full amount could not be raised the issuing of a few debentures would seo everything all right. The quickest route Home would be through the Suez Canal. Then again it would be more enjoyable, hut it also had another advan- ' tage: Those members of tho team selected ■to visit Australia next month could take part in tho matches, and a few days after the lasc match catch an Orient liner for Home. All final arrangements could be fixed up at Christchurch next month, on the occasion of the North v. South Island match; but this is where the Now Zealand Union stepped in with their bombshell declaration. This declaration must have caused quite a stir in the camp n Wellington, and just at the time when all seemed clear for wiring the date of tho commencement of the tour in England. At a - meeting which was to he held in Christchurch a manager was to he appointed and , a "Selection committee elected to finally choose the team from the thirty who were willing to go. This number must now be materially reduced.

WANGANUI-, last night

It has been generally that H. L. Abbott, of Wanganui, a member of the “All Black” (team, had refused to sign the affidavit! r(± sionalism . The secretary of the Wanganui ltugby Union to-night wired the secretary of the N.Z., Rugby Union as follows“ Abbott been ill; hare now got his affidavit; forwarding to-day.”

AUCKLAND, Tuesday

Several local football enthusiasts, who should be in a position to judge, express freely the belief that the end of the dispute between the 12 Aucklanders who refused to sign the declaration for the Rugby Union will be found in the next 24 liouiis. They think that it will result ill at least the majority complying with the request of the union, and signing. Tt is understood that a meeting of the players in question will be held this (Tuesday) evening to fully consider the matter.

AU CKL AND, ’ .jester dn y

The footballers 'who on Saturday declined to sign the declaration submitted by the Rugby Union, met last night to reconsider their decision. It is understood there is a probability of the men signing the declaration.

CHRISTCHURCH, last night.

At a meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union to-night the secretary reported that D. McGregor, one of the Canterbury nominees for the North v. South Island match, had refused to sign the declaration re the professional team to tour England.