FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 137, 1 June 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

It will lie remembered that, recently, the English Rugby Union, at the instancy of the .South African Rugby Union, had agreed to Northern Union players; who had not played under professional rules since their departure from Home, to join amateur clubs during their stay in !South Africa. When this announcement was made, wonder was excited as to whether the New Zealand Kngliy Union and the Unions under its jurisdiction would permit Northern Union players Ito assist clubs in the Dominion. The I ''""at application of the kind was made | hist week to the Otngo Union by the Kaitangata Club, which pointed out that, as only Northern Union football was played in the district from which the player in question hailed, he had no option, if ho wished to indulge in the pastime, but to join the Northern Union dub. It was resolved that the club be informed that Hie request could not be acceded to.

As reported recently by telegram, the professional Maori football team, under the guidance of Mr. Albert Asher (manager), left Auckland on Monday night ' in the Moana for Sydney. In conversa- . tion with Mr. Asher, just prior to the j ' steamor's departure, a Herald rcpresen-1 ; tative was told that the combination had taken a considerable amount of getting together, but that it could proifuee a good, all-round team. Every member was of nativo origin, either full-blooded or half-caste, and were truly the "All Blacks." The New South Wales professional league had invited them over. and were making the financial arrangements for the trip, which would be carriod out under their guidance. The players had signed on for three months, and they expected to be away for that period. If the New Zealand war cries given by members of the pakeha football team were thought thrilling, then the Australian public were going to have-their eyes opened, for war-cries and dancos were to be features of the team's , visit. "We hope,'' said Mr. Asher, -to show them something sensational in that line,nnd it should be quite a drawto the grounds, it certainly will l w a - unique opening to an ordinary football < match." There is a number of welleducated Maoris amongst the team.