INVITATION TO DANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 217, 13 August 1937, Page 8

INVITATION TO DANCE.

SPRINGBOKS AT NAPIER.

RUGBY OFFICIAL’S FEARS

NAPIER, Aug. 12. Fears of an “incident” such as occurred at a dance in Napier when the Australian football team was present last season led Mr N. A. McKenzie to oppose the acceptance of an invitation for the Springboks to attend a Napier H. 5.0.8. Football Club dance, at the meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union last evening. After some discussion, during which the suggestion of a counter-attraction was made, it was decided to accept the invitation. The discussion arose in the first instance from the wording of the letter of invitation from the club, which said: “If the New Zealand Union would pay for the South Africans, we should be only too pleased to have as our guests the Hawke’s Bay team. If not, then we shall allow the South Africans in as our guests.” Taking the letter to mean that the club would allow one team only to enter the dance free, Mr McKenzie moved that the invitation should he declined. This was seconded, and Mr McKenzie suggested that the union should arrange a ball. Mr McKenzie asked if the union had any assurance that the dance would be conducted in a proper manner. “We don’t want any trouble,” he commented. Mr Norrie: As far as the dances that have been run previously are concerned, it will be perfectly all right. Mr McKenzie: When the Australians were here, there were three fights. It was decided to accept the invitation on behalf of both teams. When Mr McKenzie asked what had happened to his motion, the chairman stated that he had not heard it seconded, and the union proceeded with the remained of its business.