New Zealand Cricketers Leave For South Africa

Press, Volume C, Issue 29638, 7 October 1961, Page 12

New Zealand Cricketers Leave For South Africa

There were some sad young women at the Christchurch airport yesterday, when the New Zealand cricket team left to begin a tour of South Africa. Ten members of the team are married men, and most of them had their wives at the airport. The least affected of the womenfolk was Wendy Dowling, who, at the age of 15 days, could hardly be expected to take very much interest in the bustle of departure all about her. Many cricket enthusiasts were at the airport to wish the players well, and the good wishes of many persons and organisations were expressed at a function arranged by the New Zealand Cricket Council.

The president of the council (Mr E. D. Blundell, of Wellington). the Minister of Lands* (Mr Gerard), the Deputy-Mayor <Cr. H. P. Smith), the manager of the team (Mr 3. G. Leggat) and the captain (J. R. Reid) were the speakers. Mr Blundell said he had received letters wishing the team well from the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash). He had received a similar letter from the New Zealand Football Asso ciation.

•The women are the Britons on these occasions,” said Mr Blundell. “They are left for about five and a half months to, -Imost literally, hold the baby.” But they would be proud of their men, who were setting out on what would be a very wonderful experience.

"South Africa is a country which has its problems, but its people have a justifiable reputation for warm-hearted hospitality,” said Mr Blundell "The cricketers carry with them some responsibility. They follow the AU Blac % ■who left such a good name in South Africa. The cricket team wiU uphold that name.” Mr Blundell advised the players not to feel, in their moments of disappointment that it would be felt at home

that they were letting New Zealand down. Everyone knew they would be doing their best. He also said they should relax in their spare time —it would not do to eat, drink, and sleep cricket New Zealand had never sent away a cricket team in which there had been better hopes of success, on and off the field, Mr Blundell said. The team, under a born leader and natural cricketer, Reid, had very good prospects.

Tributes had been paid to the fitness of the team, said Mr Leggat, and it was an opportune time to thank Reid and M. E. Chapple for the work they had done in that respect.

Mr Leggat said he hoped, at the end, that the team might have done something to help the cause of understanding. and to convey to South African cricket that New Zealand’s thoughts were with it in its problems. “We hope we may do credit to the cricketers of New Zealand on the field,” said Mr

Leggat. “I am sure we will do them credit off the field.” The team almost went without its youngest member, the Central Districts player, B. W. Yuile. The airliner for Australia left the Christchurch Airport at 4 p.m.; Yuile arrived from Palmerston North only 10 minutes before that, because the N.A.C. Viscount from Palmerston North was delayed, -and Yuille had to travel to Ohakea to make a connexion. Yuile was expected at Harewood at 2.30 p.m., and until his plane touched down, there was some disquiet among officials, who feared that he -would not arrive in time.

Yuile in his difficulties was afforded a privilege not often accorded international travellers. When his plane from Ohakea taxied in to the airport apron, officials from the Customs Department hurried out to meet him. He was put through the formalities before departure at almost record speed.