THE SPRINGBOKS

Southland Times, Issue 19295, 5 August 1921, Page 5

THE SPRINGBOKS

ARRIVAL IN INVERCARGILL AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME “The Springboks.” For weeks in football circles the talk has been nothing but the forthcoming matches with the Springboks, and last night, a large crowd gathered at the railway station to greet the representatives of South Africa on their arrival in Invercargill. Long before the express was due the station was packed with an expectant crowd, eager to give the visitors a hearty welcome. The Hibernian Band was in attendance. As the train drew up to the platform cheer after cheer ascended in welcome. A number of the fair sex, not satisfied with cheering, showered confetti on the visitors as they emerged from the carriages. “He’s a whopper!” It was a small boy’s voice that spoke, as he looked in admiration at J. M. Michau, the big 17 stone forward, and he was certainly a fine specimen of humanity. The rest of the team were up to the reports received of them from the north, and looked a side capable of extending the best New Zealand can produce. Escorted by the Hibernian Band, the team marched to their hotel quarters, some being accommodated in the Club and some in the Grand. The members of the team were pleased with their reception, and Mr Bennett, the manager, said that they had been well received right throughout New Zealand. The welcome had been a surprise to them. The team will be accorded a civic welcome this morning which will be held at the Rotunda at 10 a.m. should the. weather be fine. After the reception the team will visit the ground Jor a practice. After the entertainment by the Orphans’ Club to-night it is expected that the Springboks will avail themselves of the invitation extended by the Queen Carnival executive to be present at the dance at the Friendly Societies’ Hall. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS. HINTS FOR THE PUBLIC. Arrngemens for the match have been steadily pushed on and yesterday a Times reporter waited upon Mr Compton, secretary of the Union, and nsked for some information which would be of us* to the public. Mr Compton said th* public were recommended to buy their tickets from the officials wearing maroon badges on the streets on Saturday morning, and thus save congestion at the gates. All the country trains will be met, and a few minutes spent on arrival in purchasing a ticket will save crowding at the gate ticket boxes, and perhaps a long wait.

Holders of reserved stand tickets which also admit to the ground, can only gain admittance to the ground through the members’ gate. Where the ticket admits more than one person the party must be together, and this rule will not be broken. The same procedure will be observed at the stand gates. The stand has been distinctly marked, lettering hanging from the roof and on the railing in front. By comparing the lettering and colour of their tickets, holders can immediately ascertain to which part of the stand they should proceed to obtain their seats. On going up the steps one half of the ticket must be surrendered to the official in charge, while the other half is to be handed to the usher in charge of the bay, who will escort the patrons to their seats and return the slip. Tickets for the inner ring can be procured from a ticket seller at the south gate of the inner ring, and the attention of purchasers is drawn to the special conditions, which will be rigorously enforced, in fairness to the people on the outside of the fence. Motor cars will not be admitted to the ground, but can be parked in Liffey Street and the surrounding streets. Car owners are asked to park as closely as possible.

The general public will gain admittance through four turnstiles, and in order to cause as little delay as possible, each person entering should hand the gatekt . er a separate ticket.

In case of accidents the St. Johi. Ambulance will be in attendance, and has been allotted a special room in the members’ stand.

The results of the game will be shown on a scoring board at the north end of the enclosure, and underneath will be displayed the number of the player responsible for the score. At the conclusirn of the game all exit gates will be opened to allow the public to disperse quickly. A FEW DON’TS Don’t rush the stand ushers. Don’t WBfi‘.e the gatekeepers’ time looking for your ticket. Have it ready. Don’t stand up in the inner ring. Don’t stand on the fences. Don’t offer the gatekeepers money: buy your tickets at the boxes. Don’t drive your motor through the crowd; there are many streets out.

Don’t come at the last minute and expect the best seat.

Don't expect your seat if you are late, unless yon have made special arrangements with the secretary. Reserved seats will not be kept after 2.30 p.m.