RUGBY LEAGUE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 73, 23 September 1939, Page 22

RUGBY LEAGUE.

KIWIS AT HOME

THEIR OFFER OF SERVICES

Reference is made by "The Post's" London correspondent to the offer made by the New Zealand Rugby League footballers of their services for national defence immediately on their arrival at Harrogate. When they arrived at the very pleasant Yorkshire centre, states "The Post's" correspondent, they were received by the Mayor ajid Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. H. Dawson) in the new Lounge Hall of the Royal Baths. During brief speeches over tea, the New Zealanders' captain, Rex King, told the Mayor: "People seem to think we have arrived here at an unfortunate time, but I am glad we have landed in England on an occasion when our mighty nation is showing what it can do. I offer the services of 28 New Zealanders for enrolment in your national defence campaign. We are quite willing to carry out, to the best of our ability, any task you allot us." The Mayor acknowledged the offer as "very fine indeed," and it was later stated that it would be communicated to the chairman of the local A.R.P. organisation. After tea the Kiwis lined up in the Fountain Court at the Royal Baths and startled patients taking the cure by performing a haka. Before leaving for the Beechwood Hotel, their headquarters, they joined in singing "Maoriland." Unfortunately for the Kiwis, the tour had no more than got under way when war broke out. After being only three days in England the team beat the strong St. Helen's Club and followed this up by beating Dewsbury. I They were impressive performances, which augured well for the success of the tour. Then subsequently it was announced that, owing to the outbreak of the war, the New Zealand team's tour would finish, immediately. A later cable stated that many of the Kiwis were anxious to join the forces in England, but that the war clause in their contracts prevented their enlistment in England. They are returning to New Zealand, but, it is understood, not as one party.