WARM WELCOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 June 1927, Page 2

WARM WELCOME

TO CANADIAN SOCCER TEAM

CIVIC RECEPTION

A particularly warm welcome wjw extended to the Canadian Soccer teamj at U>e Mu'tik-ip'j.l Chambers at •$ o'clock last 'evening. The • Mayor"<.Mr \V. .1. MolTntt) presided, and was supported bv Mr Adam (malinger of the visitors)'and Mr 11. Atmore. M.P. There were also present, several city councillors, representatives of kindred sporting, and a very large number of tin general public. The Mayor apologised for the absence of Mr H. R. Duncan (chairman of the Harbour Board), and the Hon. W. W. Snndgrass, M.L.C., both of whom were attending a meeting of the Board. On entering the Chamber the visitors were enthiisiastieallv received.

In extending t he' heartiest of welcomes to the Canadians, the Mayor said it was always a pleasure lo receive distinguished visitors from overseas, especially those from oilier portions of the 'Empire—people, who belong",! lo the same race, whose ideals were the same, and who had sprung from the same stock. He went, on to refer to the foundation of the Empire, mentioning that, the Canadians came from the verv oldest Dominion, whose people had conquered hardships and had added a bright star to the British Crown. He hoped the visit would strengthen the bonds of kinship, and result in mutual benefit to the commercial relations between the two countries. Now Zealand children were taught about Canada, and he hoped the children of Canada were taught about New Zealand. After passing reference to Canada's progress in the installation of electricity, the Mayor hoped that the game with Nelson would be an enjoyable one, and that the best team Would win. He hoped the visitors would have a pleasant sojourn in he "City of Sunshine," and carry away with them the most pleasant recollections. ' Cr. Watson (on behalf of the councillors), Or Noale (Cricket Association), Mr W. E. Frank (president of the Nelson Rugby Union) and Mr Davidson (Hockey Association) also added words of welcome.

i Mr, H. Atmore, M.P., endorsed the Mayor's remarks, and was quite sure he was voicing the feelings of all Nelsonians. The visitors not only came as sportsmen, but as ambassadors of the Empire. Mr Atmore went on to trace briefly the early history and growth of Canada. The visitors came as the representatives of a Dominion which had done great things for the Empire. We did not forget that despite overtures made by a great Republic Canada wished to remain n part of the greatest Empire the world had ever seen. On behalf of the larger district he gave the visitors a very hearty welcome, and hoped they would return with kindly feelings towards the little Dominion away down towards this end of the globe.

MR ADAM REPLIES

On Mr Adam rising to reply, three hearty cheers were, accorded the visitors. Mr Adam expressed sincere thanks for the kind welcome. They had been royally received in every town they had visited/Hospitality and entertainment had been crowded into the two weeks during which they had been in the Dominion. "We feel right home in your country," he added amid, applause. He appreciated' the words of those who represented kindred Sports; and went on to say that the Canadians were not here to displace Rugby or any other games; they were simply here to do whn't they could to help the Soccer game along. Referring to the remarks of the Mayor, >fr Adam stated that the Canadian school children were learning about New Zealand; that she is a sister and one of the strong links that is keeping the nation together. He was glad to know that Nelson was the '"City of Sunshine;" and the speaker raised a laugh by adding that he was glad he was not here the previous day. The welcome from kindred sports especially appealed to the visitors. The tour was placing every town on the map in Canada. The team represented Canada from east to west, and its doings would he chronicled in every part. Booklets and other matter were also being sent, home by members of the team; so it would be seen that the Dominion would receive wide publicity. Referring to the game next day Mr* Adam said that the business places in the towns so far visited had closed for an hour or two on the day of the match. It was done in Canada'! He was a business man himself, and did not want to trespass, but hoped the same thing would be done in Nelson. Mr Adam then resumed his seat after again expressing thanks for the warm welcome extended.

The visitors then sang "The Mapie Leaf," one of Canada's national son^R. Cheers were given for -Nelson at the call of Mr Adam, after.which the proceedings terminated by the singing of the National Anthem.'

CZECHS DEFEATED (By Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) SYDNEY, Bth June At soccer at Cessnock, South Maitland defeated Czecho-Slovakia by 3 goals to 1.