RUGBY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22850, 25 October 1939, Page 12

RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW ZEALAND TEAM RETURNS ONLY TWO MATCHES PLAYED IN ENGLAND CTRE3B ASSOCIATION TELIOSAK.) AUCKLAND, October 24. Having played only two matches in England the New Zealand Rugby League team returned to New Zealand, hopes for a successful tour of England and France being dashed by the outbreak of war. After the first match against St. Helens the authorities decided against football matches because of the danger of crowds congregating during possible air raids. Later the restrictions were lifted and a match against Dewsbury permitted, but the, authorities decided that the tour should not continue. They promised that the team would be invited back after the Avar. There will, unfortunately, be a heavy loss on the tour, but nothing is yet known as to ,how the loss can be adjusted. Mr J. A. Redwood, co-manager, said 'that on the form shown in the two matches, both of which were won by New Zealand, English critics considered it had the makings of a great team. They were greatly impressed by the full-back Hemi and the forwards, Milliken and _ Jones. • . Rex King, the f captain, said the team was a very happy party and all returned well. The team gave great promise on the field, particularly the strong forwards. On the outbreak of war they offered their services for air raid precautions and worked with sandbags at Harrowgate, Yorkshife, where they were quartered. They experienced one air raid alarm and were ordered to the basement of their hotel. They finished the- tour with four days sightseeing in London. There are 18 Aucklanders and eight southerners. The latter will travel south to-night.