SOCCER FOOTBALL.

Grey River Argus, 30 May 1922, Page 6

SOCCER FOOTBALL.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM AT WANGANUI. A LARGELY ATTENDED DINNER. (Special to “Argus.’’) WANGANUI, May 29. social ion Football jeams dined together The Australian and Wanganui As., on Saturday evening, Air (E. Fordham (Chairman of the N.Z.F.A. presiding in the absence, through illness, of Mr A'. A. Stapleton, President of the Wanganui Association). The Chairman proposed the toast of the Australian team. lie said the visit of the Australians had been arranged by the New Zealand Association, as it was thought it wot*d benefit "he game in the Dominion. The game that day had been interesting, and, from the form shown by the visitors, it was evident the New Zealand team would have to do its best to win in the tests. Ft Lad been estimated the tour would cost approximately £2OOO, but the various associations had come forward royally, and had subscribed enough to guarantee the expenses, even if there was no gate. It was hoped, however, that the* gates would enable' the New Zealand Football Association to return the guarantees and send a contribution to the local Associations, and then to have enough to be banked for propaganda work. This tour was regarded as an educa- * i uni one for the good oT c ‘ Soccer ’’ generally. Surprise was expressed at the excellent game put up by the Wanganui team, but in the speaker’s mind the best team had won, and the Australian boys would teach our own boys something wherever they went in New 77. - -land. Air A. Morgan (Manager of ihe “Aussies”) said that the hand ol friendship had been held out to them in every way. The facilities dfTered by Y.M.C.A. and Returned Noldiers ’ Club were heartily accepted. He had been informed that some visitors had travelled over 300 miles to the match. That was true enthusiasm. The press, too, had been exceptionally good to them. There was no doubt that soccer was making headway in the Doihinion. He was very pleased that the Austral ians had won. This would auger well for the tour. Bis men had not given ' their best exhibition, for that day was the first on which the team had played together. After two or three matches, they would be 100 per cent better. He predicted that the test marches’ would be worth seeing. i In conclusion Mr Morgan thanked the New Zealand and Wanganui Associations, for the very kind treatment meted out to his team. Air L. I’. H. Dawson, who represented the New Zealand Football Association at New Plymouth, proposed uie toast of “The New Zealand Football Association,’’ and remarked upon the live body of men who von troth-■ . the soccer game in the Dominion. Air B. T. Salmon (secretary of the parent body), responded, and said, there was no experience so good as travelling, and hi' was sure the * * Aussivs ’ ’ would enjoy their trip. There was a good deal of work done by the officers oi thi* Association, but he would like to express his appreciation of the help rendered by the press. When one read four columns in the Wellington papers, reporting the reception oi the Australian team, it showed that the Soccei game was at last coming into its own. It was a greater reception than even the Springboks’ had received. Air Salmon also referred to the excellent work of Air 11. J. R. Reynolds as propaganda secretary. The toast of the winning team was proposed by Air Thomas, Captain of the Wanganui team, and responded to by Mr A. Fisher, Captain of the visitors, who, in turn, proposed the he alia of the W’anganui Association and team musical honours being accorded. The function was largely attended, and was very enjoyable.