CIVIC RECEPTION

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 35, 11 February 1935, Page 11

CIVIC RECEPTION

TIES. OF FRIENDSHIP

Shortly after midday, the Britons and the Finns were given a civic welcome .by-:the Mayor, the "reception being attended, among others, by Councillor. J. Burns (chairman of ■ the reserves committee), representatives of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, the Wellington Amateur Athletic Centre, and the New. Zealand team. ■..■,-■■ ~•-.■.■.. .' .

The-Mayor (Mr. T.- C. A.; Hislop) said he .felt confident that the goodfellowship evoked arid the friendships made in Australia by the visitors would be at least equal in v New Zealand. At any rate, he was certain that that was the desire of the "people of Wellington.- The visit would afford not only the public generally the opportunity of seeing fine athletes .in action; but also it would do a great deal, he felt" sure, to help the development, of athletics in'this; country. He had very; much pleasure in welcomiric; them to. Wellington. ...■■:■'■■_■■■ : ■•"■

Since the visit, of Shrubb and Duffy; said Mr. McVilly, Athletic .visitors' from' overseas had been mostly from the United &tates, and that.was because whenever . athletes from Britain • had been: invited it was found that a tour to New Zealand involved in: the majority of. cases interference with university studies. However, New Zealand ■now had a visit from a real tbp-iribtch British team' and two ane'Finnish" athletes; ; He hoped that when they left New Zealand they would be able-to speak, well of New Zealanders on the field of sport. "; ~' .

"It is always a pleasure to any team when the civic authorities, other thart the police, take notice of their arrival," said Captain Hunter. "When a pity of the extent and world-fame of Wei- i lington considers a'team worthy of. ai civic reception ithat- team.- is -indeed | honoured and we duly appreciate- it.'' No _storie be left unturned byl the British team.to give of their best; They had hot done as well as ■■■they, expected at Melbourne, but since then they had had the advantage of a fur-! ther fortnight's' training and that should result in better form being produced. Captain Hunter also expressed thanks for the welcome on behalf of the Finns, who, he said,' came from a country1 of hills and lakes arid • therefore, were looking forward to- seeing the hills and lakes, of New ; Zealand. The. Finns were delighted to be in New Zealand and were keen to be of some assistance :in the field events department in this country. "We believe," ■;■' concluded Captain Hunter, "that visits such as this must do good from an Imperial point.of view,, and we hope* that this.tour will further strengthen the ties of friendship. > be-' tween the athletes and officials in New Zealand with those' in the " Mother Country."' .■■ :;-..■: ; ..,- ': ....- v : ■