FOOTBALL NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12388, 8 December 1909, Page 3

FOOTBALL NOTES.

Pressure of business at the last meeting prevented the Management Coinmitee of the Northern Union from fully considering the vexed question of the colonial immigration. That the matter calls for immediate attention is admitted, even in official circles, and there will probably be a prolonged discussion on the matter at the November meeting. I learn that more colonials are expected in the course of a few weeks, and I also hear from a trustworthy source that one if not two colonial players now on the register of Northern League clubs are acting in the way of agents for colonial colleagues in their negotiations with English clubs.

It is thought that these matters should be inquired into, and if found true in substance and in fact, the time for action has arrived. Already we have in England practically a score of colonial players. My latest information is to the effect that others are now on their way. Tuese Dlayers are described as the cream of colonial talent.

At the present time the Northern Union has under consideration the sending of a team to Australia and New Zealand next season. If the existing rates of immigration are maintained, what of class will be left in Australasia to offer that resistance which will be necessary_ on the part of colonial teams, if the visit is to be the attraction essential for financial success ?

The policy works both ways, and though Aye all have great admiration for "All Blacks," "Kangaroos," and "Wallabies" as players, it is thought in football circles better to see them in their native colours.

There is another side to the question. Assuming that an English team is selected to visit the colonies _ under the present constitution Australian, or New Zealand clubs will be able to negotiate for English players. Probably only three or four teams in the Northern" League pay big wages, and the temptation for players to emigrate will be great. Further, clubs can hardly be expected to allow their players to leave England without receiving; some sort of guarantee as to their return. The colonial unions must observe the English transfer rules, and the English must give protection to the colonials. If with these restrictions, transfers are desired, the period of qualification must extend over a definite period.