Mouatt’s Demand.

Grey River Argus, 2 March 1927, Page 5

Mouatt’s Demand.

FOR OPEN INQUIRY. AUCKLAND, March 1. The tour of the New Zealand League footballers came to an end-to-day with the return of the team to Auckland j'he last stage of the return voyage be ing in the Marama from Sydney. Fin only absentee was F. Henry, who has lemaineil in England to play for the York Club. Of the 25 players, six wen under suspension for refusing to play in England. Before the steamer berth eil they w.erc served with an official no til'ication that an inquiry into the trou ble which occurred would be held to morrow afternoon, when they would have the right to appeal to the New Zealand League Council. Judging by comments of different members of the party there has been no exaggeration as to discord in theii Minks on the tour. Some spoke reluct antly of unsatisfactory and at times stormy incidents, while others were reticent. The general tendency, however, was to say nothing until the inquiry is held. The announcement that the Council had decided to hold the inquiry in com niittee received a mixed reception, the general opinion being that, in ‘•'inic-s--to players and public and game itself, it is essential that the proceeding: should be open to the press. “TOO MUCH STAR CHAMBER BUSINESS!”

“There has been too much Star Cham ber business all through the tour! Thai has been the trouble with the New Zea land League all along,” stated Mr. Nei Mouatt, one of the suspended P la s e J b Mr. Mouatt was emphatic that Inscase should be ventilated publicly, and be hinted that he would seriously con Sider the question of not appearing be fore the Council, if its investigation

was to be private. “I’m am not leaving matters there, I. am taking legal proceedings, he Mr. Mouatt’s contention regarding the inquiry was supported by othei suspended members, Messrs N. Peters J. Wright, E. J. Carroll, M - Devine, and H. Singe. In addition to the team mauagei (Mi E 11. Mair), the financial manage (Mr. G. H. Ponder) and a majority o the 19 loyalists, said they I ' avou ™’ a open inquiry. Both Mr. Man- (who at one stage was suspended by the Eng lish League), anil Mr. Ponder said they preferred to- remain silent regar mg the discontent. MR. MAIR’S VIEWS. Mr. Mair said it was a great our spoiled. He had done his le '’ cl beS treat all alike, and pull with the • hilt lie could not. contend with I’ 1 • -on'bitterness being shown to him as ma n tger. He hoped the inquiry would be an

open one. The fact that the team won 50 per cent of its matches, notwithstanding sever depletion o fthe. forward ranks', was regarded as very satisfactory.

Offers from English clubs Davidson, L. Brown and L. Mason, were approached by English Clubs, and it is probable that they will receive tempting offers if the residential ban on players from the Dominions is lifted