Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY. JUNE 13th., 1927. CANADIAN VISITORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 June 1927, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY. JUNE 13th., 1927. CANADIAN VISITORS

The Canadian association foot bailers will arrive at Greymouth, to-day, and will be given a civic welcome this evening, at which it is to be hoped that the attendance will be representative. It cannot be claimed that as yet. Association football has a strong hold in New Zealand, but the code is making progress, especially in the schools, thus the prospects for the extension of its popularity are very bright. There is plenty of room for the various football games in this country, and each can advance without necessarily injuring its friendly rivals. The Canadians have won all their matches so far, and may win the game on Wednesday against a Coast team, but the result does not really matter, so long as the struggle is keen, and the best sporting traditions maintained. New Zealand, conscious of her superiority at Rugby, need not mind being second at the Association game, for the time being. Perhaps, in due course, she will be able to meet the world’s best at Soccer. The Canadians are welcome more for what they represent, than for the particular kind of football they play. Canada is recognised by all in this part of the world, to be an important partner in the Empire, and anything tending to bring her and her affairs more prominently before New Zealanders must be to mutual advantage. Ties of Empire are. made by sport, as well as by commerce and war, and the exchange of visits from footballers etc., are worthy of every encouragement. It is to be hoped that the Canadians will enjoy their visit 1o this part of N.Z., and by relating their experiences to their friends at home, help to emphasise that in whatever part of the world Britons may reside, they are practically one in standards and traditions. That knowledge will help to merge Empire peoples, so that if foreign nations offer inducements or threats to mar that unity, the common ties will prove strong enough Io withstand such attempts.