BORDER PEACE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 265, 5 August 1937, Page 13

BORDER PEACE

American Relationship With Canada VISITOR LIKES RUGBY “When you think of tlie continual trouble there is between the handful of nations iu Europe, it is a wonderfully pleasing feeling to know that the United States and Canada, with their huge boundary that has no bayonet on either side for thousands of miles, can get along without any trouble at all,’ said Mr. C. McLean, a visiting American from Georgia, who arrived at Wellington from Australia yesterday to the Wanganella. “There is a tine business rivalry existing between us that is au inspiration to us both. Canada is a fine country and their people have as full an understanding of our problems just as we have of theirs.” Essentially travelling for pleasure, Mr. McLean was not inclined to discuss political or economic tendencies in the United States, but he was soon talking about football and baseball and the enjoyment he had experienced to observing the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne while he was to Australia. “What makes your Rugby football seem so attractive to me is the way in which it reaches the people,” said Mr. McLean, who spent a day in Auckland on his way to Australia. “On a Saturday afternoon in this country I saw games being played on every oval and ground that I passed. On some of them there were more players than spectators, and often I noticed baldheaded men playing rattling good games. “In America the game is essentially amateur, but it has a great deal of glamour about it. There is glamour iu a game that is watched by 100,009 people. It is mainly a college game, and you know, of course, of the college cfflls and movements that are so amusing and interesting. “I have not an appreciation of all the line points of your serums, although I was interested by the game in Australia, which, I believe, Is a little different from your Rugby. It seems a more open game than our game, which has some good movements, nevertheless. American football is not as rough as it used to be. At one Unto there were about 40 men killed each season because of the practice of three or four men trying to rush the man With the ball through the opposition. I am certainly going to see one of your games against the South African team while I am here, even if I have to rearrange my schedule.” Mr. McLean then mentioned baseball, and explained what a fine game It was for developing quickness of action and timing. “I was astounded to read the other day that equipment had been ordered and coaches engaged to teach the game to recruits in England some time ago because of its value* in fostering these qualities.” As a spectator he had thoroughly enjoyed the opinions expressed by Sydney and Melbourne people in regard to their respective cities. He had noticed a definite change of atmosphere, when he had visited Melbourne after his stay in Sydney. Mr. McLean, who is accompanied by bls family, intends to make a comprehensive tour of the Dominion, and lie Is starting by travelling down the West Coast of the South Island after spending a. few days in Wellington. He has travelled from America, touching Los Angeles, Honolulu, Pago Pago, and Australia.