SHIPPING AVAILABLE FOR AFRICAN TOUR

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 8

SHIPPING AVAILABLE FOR AFRICAN TOUR

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 25. A method by which the All Black Rugby team could be transported to and from South Africa next year was reported to a meeting ,of the Auckland Rugby Union to-night by the chairman, Mr G. Orpell. He said an Auckland shipping office had assured him a passage could be made both ways by steamers of a Dutch line, which sailed from Australian ports to South Africa by way of either Batavia or Singapore, the service being fortnightly or monthly according to which route was taken. One ship .leaves from Sydney and calls at Batavia en route to Cape Town, and the other leaves from Fremantle and calls at Singapore en route to Durban. The ships available were, he understood, of 14,000 tons. He also understood the owners of he line would willingly make training space available for players and special equipment, such as scrummaging machines, would be installed Bv one route the voyage takes 21 days, said Mr Orpell. By the other, the.time taken is 23 days. tl The routes ore both roundabout, hut I am assured there would be no difficulty in getting the players to SonUi Africa or in bringing them back. It mnv be the only way to get them there.”-. . The president of the union, Mr x.

E Sutherland, who ’is a member of the council of the New Zealand Bugby Union, has been instructed to bring Mr Orpcll’s information to the notice of the council when it meets on Friday to decide whether or not to proceed with the tour.