A GENIAL BAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27390, 16 May 1950, Page 6

A GENIAL BAND

Full-throated Choruses SPIRIT OF GOOD-FELLOWSHIP We are the Tourists The Rugby Tourists The boys of the 8.1.R.U.T So run the opening lines of the rousing choruses of the British Isles Rugby Union Team, who promise to be one of the jolliest and most popular sides to visit the Dominion, writes a special correspondent of the Daily Times. With a tactful manager of great personal charm in Surgeon Captain L. B. Osborne, R.N., an efficient captain —with roguish twinkle and a rich Irish brogue—and a loyal band of English. Scottish, Welsh and Irish lads, whose consideration for each other and general unselfishness are remarkable, it would be hard to find a more genial company. Their singing is a delight under the leadership of burly, genial Cliff Davies, and with fine soloists in Dai Davies and Douglas Smith. Their repertoire is varied, extensive and in some ways remarkable for a football team, and full-throated choruses relieve the tedium of many a weary ride.

Where New Zealanders have had the privilege of hearing them sing, they have invariably been thrilled. It is to be hoped that people throughout the country have the same opportunity, although the time spent in other centres must necessarily be shorter than in Nelson. The team includes a bigger proportion than usual of teetotallers and non-smokers. They cover a diversity of occupations. Keen on golf, tennis, shooting and fishing, they realise that from now on opportunities for indulging in games other than Rugby and golf will be limited. Fitness is their keynote. They are conscientious to a degree, and therefore Rugby is their main concern. So far there have been nine official functions, and now that the first spate of these is ended, civic officials can do a real service to the visitors by being mercifully brief.