CHINESE AT PLAY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3477, 13 October 1926, Page 3

CHINESE AT PLAY

ANNIVERSARY OF RETM HLIO. SPORTS AT KARORI PARK. Perhaps, says the Wellington “Posl." there were ctuile a number yesterday who. being accustomed to buying their vegetables or fruit from the nearby Chinaman’s practically at any lime of the day, received somewhat of a surprise when they found locked doors, and canvas screens covering the shop windows. From midday the Chinese residents of Wellington observed o holiday in honour of the anniversary of the Chinese Republic, and shops were closed. As usual, one of the chief items among the celebrations was a sports meeting at. Karori Parle where the majority of the Chinese in the city and suburbs spent the aftelnoon. The conditions were most unsuitable for the gathering. A strong, cold southerly wind blew across the ground throughout (ho afternoon, and adding to the unpleasantness, was the turf, which was very sodden after the heavy rains.

To all intents and purposes these difficulties were overcome, and all appeared in the best of spirits. There wore Chinese of all sizes, and all ages, displaying coloured ribbons. and mothers carrying small children, most of whom bad tboir Chinese flag. And then, of course, there were the provisions, which form an important part, of any such gathering. There wore plentiful supplies of fruit, biscuits, and tea, not to mention other eatables which appeal to the palate of the Chinaman. Refreshments were provided for everyone, visitors included, and no doubt some of the schools boys present ate very little tea last night. Evidently the provision of refreshments received consideration some little time before the big day, for in spite of tho cold there were ice creams and soft drinks in plenty. To most people icc creams and soft drinks yesterday would not have been very popular, but at Karori Park it was different. While visitors to the ground were availing themselves of the shelter of tho trees round the park, Chinese children scampered about and found no difficulty in disposing of tho ices. Much interest was taken In the sports. There were running and jumping events for all, while a cycle race added to the excitement. Tho competitors entered into the various events with great zest. Some of the more youthful competitors wore quite good, and showed surprising ability. The big event of the day was an Association football match between the Wellington Chinese and a Christchurch team for a silver cup donated by the Chinese residents of Wellington. It was not generally known that many of the Chinese in Wellington arc very keen on their game of football. During week-ends they go out to the Pctonc racecourse in motorvans and play a game of two. For the match yesterday with tho southern team the Wellington representatives had had some practice. Players on both sides wore unable to stand knocks to any extent, however, and the. ground was not soft enough for some. First-aid men were on the spot and the injured combatants wore carried off the field in approved fashion and received every attention. From the number lying on the ground at regular intervals it. seemed that every member of the two teams except the goal-keepers, required attention at some part of the game. The players were unable to boast a sound knowledge of the, rules, and referee E. Taylor was as liberal with the whistle as possible.

Each team had its supporters, and they kept up an incessant torrent of encouraging cries in Chinese. The result of the game was a draw, each side obtaining one goal. Christchurch goalcd in the first spell and Wellington evened matters in the second half.