TOURING FIJI

Northern Advocate, 9 January 1936, Page 5

TOURING FIJI

MAORILAND CRICKETERS SWELTER PLAYERS FIND HEAT A STRAIN Correspondence was received yesterday from Mr J. D., (“Pat”) Bright the Wnangarei member of Mr E. C. Beale’s team of Maoriland cricketers in Fiji. Although much has not been heard in Whangarei, the team is having a wonderful time, enjoying the hospitality of the Fijians. Members are feeling the intense heat, “and,” writes Mr Bright, “when we are batting or fielding some of us feel like miniature fountains. I am sure I have lost many pounds in weight since landing. It is very hard to get in form in either batting or bowling, as I get less practice than at home.

“There was an exciting finish to the test yesterday” he goes on. “The j strain of three-day cricket here is (tremendous and most of the boys are (quite satisfiedwith sleeping on off days, except when the locals make it impossible. Fijian Cricket Form. “As far as the cricket is concerned the natives’ fielding and bowling are marvellous, but the batting shows room for improvement, though some are quite good. The conditions, such as wickets, weather, etc., are altogether different from what we have been "used to, and the heat makes it very hard to play.” The team is billeted in Suva, and at the home where Mr Bright stays he has been given a wonderful time. Trips by launch and car have provided him with every opportunity of seeing the island. The population of Suva consists of 3000 whites, 7000 Fijians and 7000 Indians. The visitors have been made honorary members of any club in Fiji. When it is wet they play billiards at the Defence Club and table tennis at the Fiji Club. It is expected that the team will arrive at Auckland on January 20.