CHINESE SOCCER TEAM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 19 July 1924, Page 8

CHINESE SOCCER TEAM

A. WARM WELCOMI

Members of the Chinese Soccer team were accorded a very flattering welcome at a civic reception, held in the Concert Chamber of the Town*. Hall. Wellington. The Mayor (Mr R. A. "Wright, M.P.) presided, and associated with hini'oii the platform were the Hon. C. J. Parr (Minister of Education). Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P.. Mr H. E. Holland, M.P;, Mr C. P. Skerrelt, K.C.. and representatives of the kindred s[>orts bodies.

The Mayor (Mr K. A. Wright) said that 1 tie reception was of a nnfrpie character. It, was the first visit; of a Chinese team to New Zealand, and he believed that i.he success of the visit was assured. Soeeer was the national game of China. Tt was .impossible for him to predict [tow the team would shape. Inn they had evidence that the Chinese players were the very best of sportsmen. During their visit to Aits-, liralia they displayed a remarkably high standard of pluv, and it w;is to their credit that during the ‘2-1 games' - Ihat; were ployed not one man was reprimanded or ordered oil’. Jio was sure that they would live up to that reputation in New Zealand. (Applause.) New Zealand j.layers were going to ineet: foemen worthy of their steed. The Mayor commented on the fact, that (lie visitors did not take advantage of penalty kicks, and remarked that that showed how honourable were the players. He extended n very hearty welcome to 1 he players. Hon. C. J. Parr (representing the New Zealand Government) said that, he was very pleased to have the opportunity of welcoming the-Chinese footballers. lh> was especially pleased, as ln>. as Minister of education, had a very special interest, in members of the team, who were all University players, lie was pleased (lint they were playing Soeeer, which was a clean, honest game, and one that was making a great, advance in New Zealand, - particularly in Auckland, lie intended to lie present at the match on Saturday, and Was sure lie would see a good exhibition. Mr T. M. VVilford (Leader of the Opposition) extended a very sincere welcome to the players. Soeeer in China was what Btighy was in New Zealand the national game; The visiting foolha Hers wore representatives of a clever race. Sport in the Fast was becoming a big feu)nre, and he was sure Unit China was hopeful of producing tlie champio.il Soccer players in the world. Mr-lf. E. Holland (Leader of the Labour Party) joined 'with other speakers in welcoming the visitors. There waM no greater factor making for the peace' of the world than the agency of sport.

1-1 very thinking man and woman must, realise, that if they could bring the people of the world together they would go a long way towards establishing a confr,eternity ol’ nations. Sport was one of the finest elements in the national life of a country. (Applause.i Mr C; P. Skcrreu. K'.CY (president of the Now ZeXaland Football Association'..also associated himself tir 1 1 the remarks of the other speakers. Formplayers throughout Now Zealand wore very gratified at the presence ut rite visitors, and were determined to give them the time of their, lives. He be Moved that tint one iif tlu-m would return to China disappointed. On behalf of tljo Wellington Cricket V-soein r ion. Mr C. G. Wilson (ehiiirmart of the local Management Committee) extended a welcome, and said that the sporting spirit was very strongly developed in China. Mr I"..Wylie extended a welcome on behalf of die New Zealand Rugby Union, lie was glad that the people of-China bad realised that sport played a big part in good education.

Mr M. Dennistou also spoke on behalf of the New Zealand. Lawn Tennis Association.

The Chinese Consul (Mr Li Kwang Heng) referred to the faet that New Zealanders were known the world over as expert footballers, both in Rugby and {Soccer. He would be very happy if his countrymen won only a few games. In,reply. Mr A. F. Dome <manager of ihe team) remarked that the team was the first University combination to leave China, anil was on a purely amateur basis. He understood that New Zealand was the most amateur country in the world, and for that reason ho had a great respect for the people of the Dominion, Sport was just getting on its feet in China, arid the Y.M.C.A. had done much towards developing it. Before very long they would, find Chinese athletes competing at the Olympic Games. Mr Wong Tin Sik (coach of the team i said that he had seen the All Blacks- iri Sydney, and he had been very greatly impressed with their size. (Laughter.) - However, a little man could, always get round a big man. They could rest assured, at any rate, that the little men would not try to get through-the big ones. (Laughter.);