Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 30th., 1934. ROYAL ENGAGEMENT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 August 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 30th., 1934. ROYAL ENGAGEMENT.

CjOME degree of heartburn more than indigestion now appears to be the real reason why Prince George cancelled his tour of Australia and New Zealand. Proverbially, all the world loves a. lover, and his betrothal will be regarded as adequate excuse for the Prince’s disinclination to undertake another long tour, although his decision was expensive to many who had prepared for his visit. The congratulatory message sent to the Prince by Lord Bledisloe will be endorsed by New Zealanders generally, who will hope that in time to come, they may have the pleasure of welcoming to these shores the Prince, and also Princess Marina.

Little or nothing is known here of Princess Marina, whose name had not hitherto, been linked with Prince George’s by social gossipwriters. Like his brothers, Prince George has had many prospective “wives” thrust upon him by the imaginative. His choice was somewhat restricted and there will be some regret that he went outside the Empire for a life-partner, but that is mainly his own affair. No serious reasons of State or dynastic ambition would influence the King’s youngest son in his matrimonial venture, and, in this ease.

the lady’s family is not influential in world councils. It: is not well that the British Royal Princes should remain bachelors, and perhaps the step taken by Prince George may inspire his elder brothers to follow his example.

BASKETBALL. has not reached that stage of popularity where people will sit. up all night to follow a wireless description of a Test, neither does it provide controversies so serious that even Cabinet Ministers would not disdain to enter, but the game’s remarkable growth is becoming an important national factor, influencing as it docs not only the physique of i thousands of young girls, but creating- in them a team spirit for which I they and others will be all the bet- j ter. The old jibe about feminine, inability to play for the side in-i stead of individual prestige has lost | its force, and basketball is partly,

responsible for this -happier state of affairs.

So far, there has been no influx of angry letters to the Press denouncing basketball as “unladylike,” “ruinous to health and morals” and like charges that greet most other sports in which the modern girl indulges, Indeed, basketball might well displace “the daily dozen” undergone by adults in their efforts to reduce flesh and increase activity. The recent. Dominion tournament gave evidence of the growth of basketball, and although the Coast and Buller teams did not gain laurels in the actual play, they had an enjoyable time, and, doubtless, learned much to improve the standard of play. It appears that what Rugby is to the male, basketball will be .to the girls, and the day may come (?) v r hen matches for the Bledisloe, Ranfurly,/ and Seddon trophies, will be no greater public attraction than the games deciding district leadership at basketball. Meanwhile, those promoting basketball may claim that they are rendering important national social service, building better than they know, or that onlookers estimate.