"THE BEST TRIP."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 238, 9 October 1933, Page 8

"THE BEST TRIP."

SYDNEY FOOTBALLERS.

TOUR OF NORTH ISLAND.

Th& St. George RugDy League touring team, of Sydney, returned to Auckland last evening from New Plymouth, and the. manager, Mr. J. H. Mostyn, the coach, Mr. A. "Rick." Johnston, and ! players are delighted with their experiences. "We saw all the sights and did the tours of Rotorua, Wairakei, and Taupo, and the boys were astounded with the wonders of the thermal region," said Mr. Mostyn. "Everywhere we received great receptions, and the Maoris provided splendid entertainment. The three injured players were with us, and have done well. Tipping, who broke a small bone in his leg, has been on crutches, but he did not miss anything, the boys taking turns and carrying him. On one of the round trips they carried him for several miles. We were also amazed at the beauty of the Waitomo Caves and the bush and green pastures on the way to Taranaki. The country is a picture none of us will forget."

Mr. Mostyn mentioned that a Mayoral reception was accorded the visitors' at New Plymouth, where the crowd appreciated the open play. Unfortunately rain detracted from the attendance, he felt that the South Auckland match should-have been staged at Hamilton.

I Mr. Johnston was particularly attracted by the bush scenery and has arranged, to take back to Australia some New Zealand ferns. He had the highest praise for the Pukeknra Park at New Plymouth. The match at Taupiri was open and fast and St. George won well by 10 —5. He was surprised at the high standard shown by the Taranaki team. Hunt, at centre, revealed wonderful anticipation, and the winger, Hall, and two forwards took his eye. Some of the St. George players received knocks, but were now fit, again. "The arrangements made for us have been perfect," he added. "I have been to England and also in this Dominion previously, but this is the best trip of my life. We are now looking forward to the remaining fixtures in Auckland."

On the May back from Rotorua f o South Auckland, what the party called the "cripples' car" was inn into by another car near Te Awairmtu, and a service car had to be commissioned to complete the journey. The players got a shock, and .an occupant of the other vehicle received a cut across the forehead.

The St. George team, to loosen up the muscles of players after so much travelling, is doing light training in preparation for Wednesday's match.

The party will be the Quests of the Auckland Boxing Association this evening.