SPRINGBOK FOOTBALLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18455, 17 January 1922, Page 2

SPRINGBOK FOOTBALLERS

RIASED PRESS REPORTS. I SOUTH AFRICA'S APOLOGY. ,\ (P*s United Paesa Associatiok.) \ . WELLINGTON, January 16. No little hajm was done to the reputa- ; tion of the Springbok footballers who toured New Zealand as sportemen by Biased reports despatched' to South Afrioan newspapers by a press representative travelling with them, but that those reports were not endorsed by members of the team or approved by the public in South Africa was evidenced by a public statement made by Mr Ira G. Emery, Manager of the South African team of. athletes at a civic'reception to-day. Mr Emery, declared that the recent tour of the Springbok footballers had done more than most people thought to improve the relations and cement the friendships befcweon the union and the dominion. No team Uiat had eyar left South Africa could have been received more favourably than were the Springboks over here. He had been in closest touch with the majority of the team", and everyone of them was full of praise for New Zealand. It was regrettable, however, said Mr,Emery, that one or two press reports had been sent to South Africa which did not represent the true feeling of the South African sportsmen at au. This opinion in regard to these reports was freely ! expressed in South Africa at the time, and the footballers, when the reports name to their notice on their return home, were equally annoyed. "I have been asked," declared Mr Emery, " by the Rugby autho- 1 rities in the Transvaal to apologise for these reports sent to South Africa which may have hurt your feelings in New Zealand. I do so humbly. The reports hurt us and wo, as sportsmen, felt they must have hurt you, but we know they will hare no effect in the strong feelings of friendship . roused by the visit of the Springbok footballers —feelings which were clearly in evidence and supported by the magnificent reception accorded to us to-day and the welcome given us in Australia. The Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public reassured Mr Emery, saying that the Springboks had created a most favourable impression and many - lasting friendships had been made. Beyond their fine exposition of football, the Springboks had shown sterling behaviour and fine deportment, and he hoped before long that New Zealand would 'be able to 'pay a return visit to South Africa.