FOOTBALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 97, 5 February 1936, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

UNIVERSITY TEAM’S TOUR. RECEPTION IN HONG KONG. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, February 4. A letter from Mr P. Martin Smith, manager of the New Zealand University Rugby team, gives an account of the arrival of the team at Hong Kong on January 16. The match had been arranged far ahead and was greatly anticipated by enthusiasts, but there was a possibility at the last moment that the programme arranged for the visitors would have to be abandoned through the late arrival of the steamer Kitano Maru. However, it was arranged to land the visitors from the steamer in a launch, this being done long before the steamer was berthed. The visitors were entertained at tiffin by the Hong Kong Australian and New Zealand Association, local Australians and New Zealanders being particularly interested in meeting the team. The visitors were welcomed by the president of the association (Dr. H. D. Matthews), and the warmth of the welcome made the New Zealanders

feel that they were among people of their own kith and kin. The match was played shortly afterwards at Happy Valley, among those present being the Governor (Sir Andrew Caldecott). The New Zealanders won by 29 points to 8. The game was thoroughly enjoyed by the many spectators. Subsequently, the team was entertained at a steak and kidney dinner by the Hong Kong Football Club, and tiie New Zealanders were given a rousing send-off when they left the next day for Japan.