FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1927, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

AIOUAT INTERVIEWED. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, Jan. 13. The New Zealand League footballer. Air Neil A!ot-.itt, was interviewed here prior to the team’s leaving for home. Air Afouat declared that he had no intention of publicly defending the conduct of himself and the other dissentients. but he would say that they had been grossly misjudged. He remarked: “Recently wo frankly stated our case to the Rugby League Council, who arc now laying the mailer before the New Zealand Council, and who are demanding an inquiry into the conduct of the tour.” FULL INQUIRY NEEDED. LONDON, Jan. 14. ATr Osborne, the Chairman of the League Council, opines that there is much to be said on behalf of the malcontents in file New Zealand lx-ague team, and he hotted that there will be a full inquiry in New Zealand. English League circles declared the tour had been most disappointing. The players’ skill was below expectations, while the enforcement of discipline had been most difficult. Consequently the team had not done itself justice. Instead of a surplus of two thousand pounds, there probably would be a deficit of fifteen hundred. LONDON, Jan. 14. The New Zealand League footballer, Singe, 'complained that the dissentients’ nut of pocket expenses were stopped five weeks ago. “AA'e left Harrowgate at Christmas time almost penniless,” he said. “The AA’ales Rugby League Council was very good to us. Tt presented us with money enough <fo take us home. AA’e claim that the team was not played throughout the* tour.”