INVITATION MUDDLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1022, 12 July 1930, Page 6

INVITATION MUDDLE

BRITISH RUGBY TEAM AT HASTINGS ORPHANS DISAPPOINTED Press Association NAPIER, Friday. The expected visit of the British Rugby footballers to a special korero arranged for them by the Hastings Orphans’ Club last evening did not eventuate, the reason being that owing to some confusion the team did not know, according to the manager, Mr. J. Baxter, that it was expected. The visiting players had been entertained until a very late hour after the Maori match on Wednesday, and the necessity for keeping lit precluded their acceptance of last evening’s invitation. Over 300 Orphans and their friends were present, and all were keenly disappointed. The original programme of entertainment for the visitors during their stay in Napier was submitted by the Uawke’s Bay Rugby Union to the New Zealand Rugby Union, which returned the draft with certain amendments, but the Hastings Orphans’ Club fixture had been allowed to stand. From the fact that changes had been made it was assumed here that the New Zealand U.nion had submitted the programme to the visitors, that the alterations were effected in accordance with their wishes, and that the remaining engagements were approved by them. However. Mr Baxter stated last evening that he had no knowledge of the Hastings appointment. The Hawke’s Bay Union this evening decided to ask the New Zealand Union for an explanation of the misunderstanding.

Mr. A. Kirkpatrick (Hastings) stated that the Orphans had gone to considerable expense and trouble to prepare the entertainment.

Mr. J. W. Norrie, the chairman, said the union had sent the programme to the New r Zealand Union for submission to Mr. Baxter. On June 16 the New Zealand Union replied confirming the arrangements. That reply stated: “July 10, whole team will attend Hastings Orphans’ entertainment, but will leave early in time to be in bed by 10 p.m.” When this matter was referred to Mr. Baxter on the team’s arrival here he said the matter was submitted to him, but it had been declined. Mr. Norries said his union could take no responsibility for the arrangement not being carried out.