ENGLISH VISITORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 July 1946, Page 4

ENGLISH VISITORS

RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM WELCOMED * GREYMOUTHRECEPTION “In Greymouth we feel we are among typically English folk; you have turned on typically English weather and we will try to retaliate this afternoon by giving you typically English football,” said the captain of the English Rugby League teatn, A. J. Risman, replying to speeches of welcome at the civic reception accorded the team this morning.

The Mayor (Mr. F. A. Kitchingham) presided at the welcome and there was a fair attendance of representatives of various sporting organisations and the public.

The Mayor expressed pleasure at the opportunity presented to extend a welcome to the visitors, as members of the first international team to visit Greymouth for a good many years. It was a privilege to welcome the team, coming as it did -from unbeaten Britain.

Britain’s War Record

After referring to Britain’s magnificent war record, Mr. Kitchingham said that all were glad to know that New Zealanders participated in the crucial Battle of Britain, not the least., of them being’ a son of one man who was present that morning, the town clerk, Mr. Denton. Many, if not all of the visiting team had played their part in the war and he trusted that their sporting visit to the Dominion would still further strengthen the bonds which bound the various parts of the British Empire together. The president of the West Coast Rugby League, Mr. B. F. Connors, said that, as a sporting body, it considered itself very fortunate to have a visit from an international side so soon after the war years. There was a lot to be learned on the administrative and playing sides and in this regard the tour must have a very beneficial effect. Strong Side Chosen

After congratulating the team on its performances in Australia, Mr. Connors said he noted that no risks had been taken to-day, in that the team to play the West Coast contained ten men who had played in the tests in Australia. The West Coast League was proud of the position in which the sport stood in the district. After extending a welcome, to the English visitors, Mr. J. A. Redwood, president of the New Zealand League and other officials, Mr. Connors concluded by paying a tribute to the conduct of the English players since their arrival on the West Coast. “I am sure that all the sporting fraternity on the West Coast are happy to see you here,” said Mr. F. W. Baillie, president of the West Coast Rugby Union, in extending a welcome. “I, for one, am not opposed to League and believe in every courtesy being extended to a sporting body.” Mr. Baillie concluded by expressing the hope that weather conditions would not detract from the display to be given by the visitors. Mr. M. R. Bunt, on behalf of the West Coast Council of Sport, also welcomed the visitors on behalf of the various affiliated sporting bodies.

Manager’s Reply. Representations from Dr. Evatt, Minister for External Affairs in Australia, had resulted in the four being advanced said the joint manager of the English team, Mr. W. Poppelwell, in reply. He added that the officials had not been sorry, as records on the playing, financial and attendance sides had been established in Australia and he saw no reason why they should not be continued in New Zealand. i Referring to the remarks of the Mayor, Mr. Poppelwell said Britain was proud of the part New Zealand played in the war and that the bonds of brotherhood were being cemented. Mr. Connors had mentioned that 10 test players would take part in today’s game, but there was no differentiation between the members of the team and the 13 taking the field were probably no better than those who played in Christchurch. French Visit Likely.

Within a short period New Zealand was likely to have a visit from a French team, he continued. When it came it would provide great football. Also, in a year or two New Zealand would send a team to England and by what he had seen already he hoped that the West would have some representation in that team. . Mr. Poppelwell, in conclusion, paid a high tribute to the arrangements made for the visitors by the West Coast League and presented to the Mayor a tie pin.with the emblem of the British lion,, as a souvenir of the visit. The captain of the team, A. J. Risman, referred to the fact that on his previous visit to the West Coast, 14 years ago, he had been impressed with the fact that it was a typical English community and had an English atmosphere which made the players feel at home. Throughout the tour, the members of the team had conducted themselves in very orderly fashion and he was proud to be the leader of such a fine body of men. facilities Tor workers ' TO ATTEND MATCH

Bakers and butchers observed a half holiday to-day. Most other trades premises in the town closed at 2 o’clock, some for the day and others until 4 o’clock, in order to allow employees to witness the England v. West Coast Rugby League match. Schools also closed down early. All district coal mines worked/ with the exception of the Strongman colliery. The Liverpool mine close’d at noon, and Dobson miners worked from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Blackball mine worked a normal shift, but only 30 per cent, of the total employees reported for work this morning.