FOOTBALL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 434, 13 May 1899, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

VISIT OF THE ENGLISH TEAM. [united press association]. (bt electric telegraph—copyright). (Received May 12, 7 15 p.m.) Sydney, May 12. Me W. C. Marter, Secretary of the Wellington Rugby Union, who is on a visit to Sydney, made enquiries relative to the possibility of the English team visiting New Zealand. In the interview he stated that the exclusion of New Zealand was one strong argument in favour of the formation of an Australasian Union which would control international fixtures, the affiliated colonies participating equally. The feeling locally was that the Australian matches would be worthless as a test of colonial football without New Zealanders, and was strongly oi opinion that New South Wales might reasonably ask New Zealand to re-consider the matter. He denied that New Zealand was actuated by a dog in the manger policy in declining to be represented, the result of the interview being that New South Wales Union has still a slight hope that the Englishmen will pay New Zealand a brief visit. Rev. Mr Molineaux states that he may be able to extend the trip for one week, in which case New South Wales would probably forgo two country and oue test match to enable the Englishmen to play matches in Auckland and Wellington, provided a quarantee of £250 were given ; and also New Zeslan I to pay all expenses. There can be no definite settlement till the arrival of the Englishmen' Members of the Hriuiiltou Club are reminded that the last practice will be held on Sydney Square to-day. as the matches under the auspices of the Waikato Rugby Union commence on Saturday next, and it is to be hoped that all players will roll up. The names of the Hanulton team to play against Ngaruawahia will appear in Thursday's issue.