SPRINGBOK ATHLETES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 50, 1 March 1922, Page 7

SPRINGBOK ATHLETES.

MANAGER'S FAREWELL MESSAGE, j The Springbok athletes, accompanied by E. G. Sutherland, champion high and long jump and javelin thrower of the Dominion, arrived at Auckland this morning from Wellington, having concluded their tour of New Zealand. When interviewed by a "Star" representative this morning, the manager of the team, Mr. Emery, stated that the tour had been a most enjoyable and successful one from every point of view. "We have travelled very extensively," he said, "over 3000 miles, in just under six weeks, while our team has competed at Auckland, Wellington, Chxistchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Gieborne, Wanganui, Masterton, Paraparaumu, Palmeraton North, while we managed to get a couple of days to view the lovely sights of Rotorua. Members of the team have, competed at every distance from 75 yards to a mile as well as relay races at all distances. The team, with the exception of Kinsman, who is suffering from sicknese not caused through running, is in good condition, as was evidenced at Wellington last Saturday. We are all glad of an opportunity to reet for a fortnight prior to competing in Australia. With the continuous travelling the members of the team have not been able to train, the training merely consisting of the actual racing in event*."' " ... r jj|Jte Commenting on the form shown by the New Zealand contestants, Mr. Emery said:—"You have some very fine talent in your Dominion that is only waiting to be moulded. That te my opinion. I am referring to Rose and Webber, both of whom in my opinion can improve further. Davison and tVilson naturally rank among the world's best, and their performances even before our visit have marked them international stars. Now that athletics has received a fillip due to the visit of the Springboks I think it is up to the respective associations controlling the eport to keep things going, and above all, give the younger athletes a chance. The schools should be looked to to provide the future champions. 1 have, and the whole team has, been struck by the capable manner in which all the mowings have been conducted, and the great courtesy shown to the team by the officials everywhere. The whole team wishes to thank the publfc of New Zealand for the way in which they have received us, winner and loser, or whether on or off the field.