CANCELLED TOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 14

CANCELLED TOUR

LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS WAR CONDITIONS AT HOME PLAYERS LEND ASSISTANCE. AIR RAID SCARE EXPERIENCED The rather unique experience for touring footballers of war conditions in England fell to the New Zealand Rugby League players who have returned home. Owing to the outbreak of war the tour was cancelled after tho j first match, in which the tourists, who showed impressive form, were successj ful. General disappointment at the I cancellation was expressed by the comanagers, Messrs. J. A. Redwood and R. Doble, and tho players. "When war was declared on tho Sunday following tho opening match," said Mr. Redwood, "the players immediately offered their services to the military authorities. The headquarters of the team were at Harrogate, and it was engaged there in filling and stacking sandbags as a precaution against air raids. Assistance was given to reinforce tho protections. at the hospitals, children's homes and other buildings.

"Gas masks were issued to the players and these were taken to the grounds where the two matches were contested. Spectators at the games also had their gas masks handy. Only one air raid scare was experienced, this being while tho team was at its hotel. Everybody in tho hotol immediately made for tho ballroom in the basement, which was thought to be tho safest place against air raids. There was no sign of panic and wo were greatly impressed by tho general calmness, especially of the women. Patriotism ol People "The patriotism and determination of the people in England to see the war through also made a deep impression," continued Mr. Redwood. "The touring team had four days' sight-seeing _ in London, and the black-outs. at night were most effective. It was pitch dark, but Londoners seemed to find no difficulty in finding their way about. It was remarkable how the bus-drivers and taxicabs found their bearings, as thero was barely enough light to see in front of them. "On the way home the boat on 'which we returned was convoyed by British and French destroyers. During the journey out players had helped to keep watch, each doing two-hourly shifts. Tho boat was blacked out at night and no one was allowed to smoke or light cigarettes. The tourists had to hand in their gas masks on leaving, but were issued with new ones on tho boat. Heavy Financial Loss

"The financial loss on the tour would be considerable, but the amount is not yet known. Before leaving players had a contract, and this lapsed only 10 days prior to' their return. On the expiration of tho contract the team held a meeting, and unanimously decided to continue as if under it, and that Mr. Doblo and myself would still be managers. We were a very happy party and I have never seen a moro harmonious, keen and conscientious team of footballers. During the threo months we - were together there was not ono incident to cause any hitch between players, or managers and players. The English ltugby League officials had treated the team most hosnitably and had assisted by making tne players their guests while in England. Each player had received a gift of £lO before leaving." Strong Combination Mr. Redwood said that the team was considered one of tho best touring sides which had visited England. The forwards had created a fine impression, Jones and Milliken being outstanding. By his excellent kicking and spectacular play, Hemi, the fullback, had caught the fancy of the crowds. Solomon, liveeighths, was prominent in alUround play, while two young backs who showed promise were Sterling, half, and Mills, wing-threequarter. A feature of the English teams'- play was their success in hooking. It was likclv that an invitation would be extended to a New Zealand team to tour again after tha war. The High Commissioner of New Zealand, Mr. W. J. Jordan, had been instrumental in booking berths for the return of the team. Mr. R. Doble and the captain, It. King, considered that the New Zealanders would have developed into a fine side. The strength shown in the forward division in tho two matches played was remarkablo. tho New Zealand team beat bt. Helena in the opening match by 19 points to 3. Tho second match against Dewsbury, won by 22 points to 10, was arranged at short notice, as tho restrictions in that district were temporarily lifted, , A welcome home by the rsew Zealand Rugby League will be given _to the touring players at the Station Hotel at six o'clock td-morrow evening.