FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1928, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

THE RUGBY GAME. international BOARD. AUCKLAND, March 27. The rights of New Zealand, New South Wales and South Africa to independent representation on the International Rugby Hoard were championeil by many speakers at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby Union last evening. Air A. St. C. Belcher, who introduced the topic, alluded to the circumstance that, while the English, Scottish. Welsh and Irish Unions all bad independent representation on tbe International Board. New Zealand, like New South Wales and South Africa. bad representation only through the English union, to which they were affiliated. So far as'he bad observed the only New Zealand protest against this unsatisfactory state of affairs had come from Christchurch, but the whole of the Dominion, as one of the greatest Rugby powers in the world, and Auckland, as the leading centre of New Zealand, should join in the outcry against what was manifestly an injustice. He moved that the question of the admission of the New Zealand Rugby Union to tbe International Board as a separate entity be considered at the annual meetin'; of delegates to the Dominion body.

Mr E. Casey said that the New Zealand Union was fullv alive to Ibe position. but hitherto bad failed in its efforts to improve it.

Air F. J. Olilson condemned the conservatism which existed in some Home Rugby circles, instancing the manner in which the lack of dominion representation on the International Board bail curtailed some world tours.

It bis opinion the views of tbe Press would eventually effect tbe admission of the dominions to the International Board. The motion was carried. ASSOCIATION GAME. VISIT BY AUSTRALIANS. WELLINGTON, March 27. Although the council of the New Zealand Football Association met tonight in the hope of reaching a definite decision whether there shall be a tour of the Dominion by an Australian team during tbe coming season, tbe position is still indecisive, as the cable extending the invitation hinges on tbe local associations being willing to give tbe necessary finaiieal guarantees. .Meanwhile, the Finance Committee is ascertaining what guarantees will be necessary from the respective associations to guard against any possible loss falling upon tbe New Zealand Council whose financial resources are so strained that they cannot proceed unless the guarantees are lortheoming. As soon as these figures are available. these, together with the council’s estimate as to the east, etc., of tbe (our. will be forwarded to the respective associations, asking them whether or not they will give tbe guarantee. A cable is being sent at once extending an invitation provided the guarantees are forthcoming, so that it will be about another ten days before any decision can be reached