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Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 January 1928, Page 7

Now that the new Arapuni lake. is gradually taking shape, it is becoming quite evident to even the casual observer that this sheet of water, which ■will extend for some eighteen mile® upstream, is destined to become one of the greatest sporting centres in the Dominion, says the “Auckland Sun.“ Lake Taupo is almost as broad os it is long, and is thus affected by every wind that blows, to the hindrance and annoyance of fishermen, but the new Arapuni lake, being land-locked, will be free from such disabilities. Dr J. Drummond, selector for the Natal Rugby Union, in a letter to his parents, Mr and Mrs .T. Drummond, of Dannevirke, referring to the forthcoming tour of the New Zealand Rugby footballers, says: “The All Blacks and their advisers seem to dread our grounds. They have little cause to do so. Most grounds in this country are turfed now. Durban has a beautiful grass pitch, and no better ground can be found in New Zealand. The same applies to Western Province, Newlands, Transvaal, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, East London and Potchefstroom. These grounds wall all bo in good order and not hard. Maritzburg is grassed, but liard, and the same applies to Bloemfontein and Pretoria. The test matches in Johannesburg, Capetown, Port Elizabeth and Durban will all be played on grounds of excellent eondiiton. Things which may animadvert against the staying power of the side are the altitude of the Transvaal, 5000 ft, and the climatic conditions —playing under a hot sun very often. Wo get little rain in much of this country in mid-winter. b