Fiji Visitors to Feilding

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 188, 11 August 1936, Page 3

Fiji Visitors to Feilding

WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM ENTERTAINED

Yesterday afternoon the Fiji women’s hockey team arrived In Feilding from Wellington and tvere accorded a civic reception during tho afternoon tea gathering provided by tho executive of the Feilding Hockey Association. Proceedings were presided over by Mr. I’ J. Allen, president of the Feilding Hockey Association, who, with Mrs. Allen and a ladies’ reception committee, cordially received the visitors. Tho Mayor (Mr. T. Collins) said that it gave him very great pleasure indeed to welcome tho Fiji women’s hockey team to Feilding and ho trusted that tho short stay in Feilding would bo not tho least of tho visitors’ happiest memories. Ho was aware that the weather had been most unkind to the tourists sinco they had lauded in New Zealand and in case any wrong impressions had been created from this he desired to assure them that the Dominion really had a wonderful climate. The Mayor said that he was not without a knowledge of the Islands and although he had not beou to Suva ho was aware of the fact that the visitors camo from a country full of sunshine. Feilding extended a hearty welcome to the visitors and he was confident that once they hud tasted of tho town’s wonderful hospitality they would never forget tho short sojourn here. He hoped that car owners would enable tho visitors to see the countryside and suggested Highfield road as a vantago point to obtain a rare view of tho town. Mr. Collins warned tho visitors that the ground upon which they would play their match was not up to hockey requirements, nevertheless he trusted they wouid enjoy the game. Alter all it was not so much a question of winning as it was of enjoying the sport tho game offered and he knew that that would be the spirit prevalent on Wednesday. Concluding, Mr. Collins wished the team every happiness and trusted that members, when the time came to depart, would leave with the happiest recollections of Feilding. (Applause.)

Mr. Allen extended a welcome on behalf of tho Feilding and Alarton Hockey Associations. Tho tour of tho visitors had been followed very closely aud wonderful reports had been received of the steadily improving form which gave promise of a good match against the local representatives to-morrow afternoon. This district had been a very prominent hockey centre but in receut years there had been a declino in the interest taken and it was hoped that tho visit of tho Fiji women’s team would result in a reawakening of interest. Mr. Allen concluded by stating that the visitors would indulge in practice this morning and this afternoon wouid proceed to Marton as the guests of tho Martou. Association. Despite aiJ that had been said regarding the ground, ho assured tho visitors that they would have an excellent surface i'or tho match. Airs. Hervie, manager of tho team, returning thanks, said that sue was sure tho team would enjoy its visit to Feilding and whatever the result her girls were good losers. Mrs. Griffin, captain of the Feilding team, also offered a welcome to the visitors, and Aliss Sutherland, tho visitors’ captain, briefly replied.