Improved Standard In N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28572, 29 April 1958, Page 6

Improved Standard In N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 28. “Your hockey has improved, and I think your captain, Bruce Turner, would find a place in any hockey team in the world," said Mr M. S. Hussain, assistant-manager of the Pakistan hockey team, at the dinner after the second hockey test on Saturday, Guests included the Mayor (Mr F. J. Kitts. M P.) and the former Prime Minister (Sir Sidney Holland). Mr Hussain said that the surface at Athletic Park, though well prepared, was not as smooth as his players would have liked, and caused a number of attacking movements to break down. Still, it was a wonderfully exciting game, and everything pointed to an exciting tussle m the final test at Auckland, he said. The manager, Mr I. A. Abbasi, also complimented the New Zealand team. He made a presentation of an autographed hockey stick to Mr S. G. Browne, president of the Wellington Hockey Association. New Zealand’s captain, B. A. Turner, said the ground suited the New Zealand style of play. He paid a tribute to the Pakistan side, which was one of the hardest he had played against Sir Sidney Holland said there was no doubt about the big improvement in the standard of hockey in New Zealand. He said he had been thrilled by the game, which was one of the best he had ever seen.