FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION ABB BLACKS TOUR. S( 'OTB A .VO'S ATT IT U OK.

BONBON, Bee. ‘2O. Regarding the Scottish Rugby Union’s action. Mr Wray further states: — New Zealand soldiers fought side inside with Scottish comrades. The friendship between them was proverbial. Surely despite what happened m the past, any difference should now be healed. Scotland’s reply was of such - a nature that it admitted, to my mind, no other construction than that die the Scottish Union did not want their plavers to meet the New Zealand team. Although the Scottish officials wiR not give any reason for their action, it is understood in Rugby circles here, that the explanation is two-lold. firstly, when the All Blacks played in Scotland in 1905, they asked the Scottish element for a guarantee of live hundred sterling. This was refused them. The game was played without any guarantee with the result that the New Zealand team took all, amounting to .£3OOO. Secondly, Scotland considered that the invitation to the New Zealanders should not come from the Lug- ' lisli Union, hut from the International Board. Scotland's resentment led them to take’ the present stand, which is strongly condemned hv all other British Unions. A PETTY ATTITUDE.

BONBON, Bee. 20

The action of the Scottish Rugby Union in declining to meet the All Blacks oil next year's tour, has stirred the Rugby world. Scotland has not stated her reasons, but it is believed that the grievance originates with the AH Blacks’ 1905 tour, where Scotland considered the All Blacks infringed a rule of amateurism by accepting a travelling allowance. Mr Wray (New Zealand representative on the English Union) says he is sure the Scottish action will cause deep resentment in New Zealand. He adds that if it were a real or imagined grievance, twenty years ago, surely what happened since has healed the breach.