SOCCER TOURISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 129, 3 June 1927, Page 10

SOCCER TOURISTS.

RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON. GUESTS OF PRIME MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. A civic reception was accorded the Canadian Soccer team to-day by the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. G. A. Troup. There were also present the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, representing the Government, and representatives from nearly ever} , other branch of sport. Mr. Troup welcomed the visitors and placed nt their disposal nil the council's facilities, so that they may sec all they can of Wellington. Mr. Rolleston said the visit would be of great value, both to the Canadians and the New Zealandcrs. New Zealand Soccer players, said Mr. A. Wells, president of tho Wellington Football Association, were not downhearted at their formidable antagonists, and New Zealand was always ready to welcome an overseas team representing Soccer or any other sport.

Mr. S. S. Dean, chairman of the NewZealand Rugby Union, emphasised the welcome extended to the 11>24 All Blacks by the Soccer authorities in Canada, which the All Blacks greatly appreciated. He said the union's syspathy to Soccer was shown by the fact that it was placing its Rugby grounds at the Soccer code's disposal, and not playing any counter-attractions on the "day the Canadians were playing in any centre. The manager of the Canadian team, Mr. J. Adams, returned thanks, and said the team would do its verv best.

The Canadians were later the guests of the Prime Minister at an informal gathering. Other Ministers in town were also in attendance.

In extending the welcome of New Zealand, Mr. Coatee said the team had already exceeded expectations in ite form on the field, and its deportment off the field was irreproachable. It was on the field of sport that internetioual goodfellowship was laid, fostered and developed.