SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 19278, 24 June 1924, Page 3

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Hawke's Bay J.C.’s Winter meeting opens tc-morrow. Disqualified Antler is by Mystification from Eland. Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club meeting takes, place on Saturday. Hawke’s Bay R-C.’s winter meeting is due Wednesday and Thursday. Galway is becoming seasoned for the Grand National meeting next month. Royal Star promises to be a fancied Grand National Hurdle Race candidate. Aucklander White Comet, a useful galloper, may compete at Trentham. Ex-North Island steeplechaser Tigerland ran well at Ashburton meeting. Steeplechaser Paul Pry is only a little fellow, hence weight may have stopped him last week. Tenterfield and Prince Rufus (10.9) meet on even terms in Hawke’s Bay Hurdles Handicap. So far, Kipling has performed disappointingly in his campaign in the Hawke’s Bay province. The jumping success of Jovial at Napier Park was not unexpected and he is marked down as useful. If the Quin Abbey hurdler, Boomerday, comes south to Riccarton, he will carry a parcel of Auckland coin. The Grand National light harness meeting at Addington promises to be one of the best ever held there in "winter time. The sum of £9OO will be distributed in stakes at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s G.N. dress rehearsal meeting on August 2. The Bluff-owned steeplechaser, Mettle Drift, may be given a run over the Riccarton country at Christchurch Hunt Club meeting. The Markhope—Fender mare, Kerb, who now ranks as a five-year-old, is announced as being on the private sale list at present. Kilfaire, who ran second in the Newstead Hack Handicap at Napier Park last week, has been expected to win a race for some time past. A Masterton writer states that the rising two-year-olds of the Wairarapa district are the best lot prepared there for a very long time.

Radial has been racing so well of late that it now looks as if he will be found racing prominently at the coming Grand National meeting.

Steeplechaser Woodrow, who disappointed Mr J. H. Grigg at Ashburton, is said to be useful, and ranks as an aged son of Gazeley—Yankee Mary.

The Southland horseman, Ivan Rask, rode Incursio when the Solferino gelding ran as seventh favourite and won Moreton Hack Handicap at Ashburton on Saturday.

In the Winter Steeplechase at Ashburton on Saturday Whipcord was coupled with Tigerland, having been purchased by the latter’s owner, Sir Charles Campbell, of Christchurch.

Will Oakland has been raced over more lengthy journeys than usual of late, and it is on the cards that he will become a Winter Cup fancy for the Grand National meeting in August.

Flying Master, who failed to race up to his private reputation in hurdle events at the Ashburton meeting, is an aged son of Sweet Simon from Bell Blue and comes from the North Island.

When Sherlock won the Winter Steeplechase at Ashburton R.C. meeting on Satur day last he started fourth in order of selection and was ridden by P. Hogan’s exapprentice, A. J. Peart.

Radial was guided to victory on Saturday at Ashburton by A. E. Ellis, who must have recorded a record number of wins across the flat, and between the flags during the past few weeks’ racing.

Reports from Masterton are to the effect that Sir Rosebery has been eased up since his sucessful trip to Auckland, but he will be key.xl up again for the Wellington fixture. with a trip to Riccarton in view later. Dancing Days ran a good race in the Wakanui Handicap, the closing event of the Ashburton fixture, but 11.1 stopped her, and Radial, Prosperity and Solferite ran on to get the prize money in the three places in that order. With the track heavy and holding at Ashburton County R.C.'s meeting on Saturday. Royal Star and Likelihood, separted by’ a head in that order at the finish, did well to run a mile and a-half in 2min 54secs, racing home together from the last fence. There is an agitation on foot to persuade the Wairarapa Trotting Club (writes the Wairarapa correspondent of Christchurch Star to hold its annual racing fixture at a more populous centre than at present, where large crowds and larger totalisator turnovers would result. Grey Star, who won the light-weight point-to-point of the South Canterbury Hunt recently (says the Lyttelton Times), is said to be identical with the winner of the Waikato Hunt Cup in 1919. Oakleigh, the dual Grand National winner, finished behind Grey Star in this race, but lost ground by taking the wrong course. Some of the Auckland lightweight horsemen, notably B. Rosen, are holiday-making in Sydney. J. Barry is considering a trip to Honolulu during the welter-weight season. A Napier writer is responsible for the following paragraph: The Canterbury Jockey Club hold to some queer ideas and are hard to get shifted out of the rut, and no doubt their conservative means of administration is, in a measure, the cause of racing at headquarters in Canterbury slipping down the hill. Dear Casey, Tis the voice av the punter, Oi heard him complain, They rooked me before, An will rook me again. Now here s a little advice ter thim fellys (0 im a whale on advice, ‘tis cheap, me not being a lawyer); Th fursht thing ter do is ter be sure thot th home ut the posht is in the besht av health (an temper). Yiz musht make sure thot his own owner is absolutely “straight,” a sort av super George Washington, in fact; an th trainer musht be av a loike persuasion. For a jockey get an angel (av nothin better is procurable). Unimpeachable senthrys musht wath th animal day an noight ter see thot he is not doped; an lashtly ter mek assurince doubly sure. Don’t punt.—Yours, etc. “Paddymelon.”

The Aucklafid-owned pair Oakleigh and Glenotus were nominated at the Victoria Racing Club’s Grand National meeting (writes “Radio” in the N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review), but it has now been decided that both ’chasers will remain in New Zealand. Oakleigh will probably be

given an opportunity of winning his third CJ.C. Grand National Steeplechase in succession, a performance which has yet to be accomplished by any horse.

Walter Garrett, the well-known Opaki trainer, is an optimist where big handicaps are concerned (says the Wairarapa correspondent of the Christchurch Star), and has always maintained that the only way to get the best out of a horse is to run him in good company. Years ago, when he had Blue Ribbon in work, he won the Wellington Cup with her, and ran second in the Wanganui Cup the same year. Then came that good old battler Sir Solo, who was as game as the best. With the son of Sir Laddo, Wepener he won the Manawatu, Wellington and Auckland Cups, then later on the Grand National Hurdles. Then came Red Ribbon, winner of the Wellington and several other cups. And now he has Sir Roseberry, winner of the Great Northern Steeplechase.

When Sherlock was raced in Southland round about Easter time, he could not be depended upon to go straight or negotiate his fences with consistency. Later on, at Wingatui, his reputation was such that none of the “boys” cared about making attempts to school him. Finally, the Invercargill horseman, T. Pemberton, tried his hand and made quite a success of his task —when it came to race days, however, it was noticed that another jockey was acting as pilot, not a very encouraging thing to a rider who risked life and limb to induce a refractory animal to jump without fee or reward. After many disappointments, Sherlock turned up a winner at the Ashburton R.C. meting on Saturday, when the descendant of the New South Wales-bred Kentlock scored in the Winter Steeplechase, defeating two useful horses in the places, in Tigerland and Galway. On the opening day at Ashburton the horse appeared to be unlucky in the Hack Steeplechase, as, after the race, his rider (I. Rask), lodged a complaint against S. who steered Blue Streak, for running him off. Dillon’s explanation was accepted. There was probably something in the grievance of Sherlock’s rider, as Ivan Rask is not a novice at the racing game and is hardly the sort to lodge a complaint against a rival without just cause. Sherlock was in receipt of a great deal of weight from his nearest attendant on Saturday—37lbs from Tigerland and 421 b from Galway—but the fact remains that he won, and it is more than likely that he will do so again presently, provided he has not to face extended distances.

I J. McCombe’s three-year-old gelding. The , Cheat, who won the Three-year-old Handicap (7f ) at the Rosehill meeting in Sydney on Saturday, is a well-bred gelding by Clarenceux (imp.) from Subterfuge, by Cammie Chiel—Counterfeit, by Treadwell —Delusive, by Trenton—Eleusis (imp.), by Barcaldine. The dam of Saturday’s winner, Subterfuge, was the first foal of the flying Counterfeit, but did not prove a success for her breeder, Sir George Clifford. She was turned over to J. McCombe at a very moderate hack price and subsequently ran some good races for her owner-trainer. It will be remembered that Subterfuge was very unlucky in connection with the Invercargill Cup race, as she ran second to Ascalaphus in 1918, and filled a similar position to Marsa in the local £lOOO event in 1919. She raced in the colours of the partnership of the late Mr F. Griffen, and his trainer J. McCombe. It was expected that such a well-connected mare would prove successful when relegated to the breeding paddock and it would now appear that she has given her owner a useful son in The Cheat. McCombe has a half-brother to The Cheat in work, this rising two-year-old, who has been engaged in a number of next season’s classic events, being a bay colt aptly named Forgery, a son of Paper Money (imp.) from Subterfuge.

Ever since he had the misfortune to lose Logan Pointer a few months ago, as the result of an accident (writes “Argus” in Christchurch Star)., the Riccarton studmaster, Mr F. Holmes, has been negotiating for the purchase of another American trotting stallion. Finally his agent had a horse put under offer last week, and a cable message was dispatched on Wednesday last, authorising his purchase. The name of the horse was not cabled, but he is a ten-year-old brother to Colonel Armstrong, 2.5, by Walter Direct, 2.55, the sire of Napoleon Direct 1.59 f, and Grace Direct 2.0 f. He is an intensely pacing bred horse, and already he has sired a mare named Princess Marin, who took a record of 2.5 last year. Mr Robert A. Smith, who paid a visit to Christchurch last year from California, and who is identified with Mr H. A. Jordan in light harness enterprises in Maoriland, was responsible for buying the horse, who was secured on the recommendation of Mr E. Geers, the veteran American horseman. HAWKE’S BAY JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR WEDNESDAY. (Per United Press Association.) NAPIER, June 23. WOODLANDS STEEPLECHASE (two miles. —Guanaco 10.12, Kovno 10.5, Gaze, Cambuck and Killard 9.9, Silt-a, Diamond Nap and Tarakete 9.3, Ethiopian 9.2, Strathpan, Blue Hall, Kauropa 9.0. WHAKATU HACK HURDLES (l|m.). —Landbird 10.12, Merry Singer 10.7, Detroit, Gold Piece, Waioeka Jack and Floriform 9.0. HAWKE’S BAY HURDLES dim.).— Kohu 11.0, Vagabond 10.13, Jovial 10 4, Alteration 10.3, En Route 10.0, Admiral Codrington 9.12, Woden 9.0. HAWKE’S BAY STEEPLECHASE (3 m.). —Mahuru 10.11, Passin’ Through 10.4, First Line 10.1. Red Cent 9.13, Kipling 9.11, Te Maire 9.10, Oak Rose 9.9, Zeus, Gang Awa’, Taihape 9.0. WINTER HACK HANDICAP (9f.). Tino Maunga 10.7. Sensible 10.2, Nukumai 10.0, Mountain Top 9.13, Velvet King 9.9, Kilfaire 9.4, Kilroe, Lady Hill 9.2, Panache, Royal Heather, Kaahumanu, Master Black 9.0. LADIES’ BRACELET (14m.).—Kaihiakatea 11.13, Many Colours 11.6, Communicate 11.2, Empyrean 10.12, Earthshine and Asleep 10.9, Crown Coin, Te Kahua and Logic 10.7. HERETAUNG A HAN DICAP (6f.) . Battle Knight 11.0, Joy Ride and Duo 10.12, Civilform 10.7, Barrier 10.5, Koodoo 9.12, Haurangi 9.10, Cleasanta 9.9, Happy Days, Valley Rose and Polonette 9.3, Puketoi 9.2, March On, Avonlea, Suspicion and Good Mark 9.0. CRICKET. SOUTH AFRICANS IN ENGLAND. PARKIN OMITTED FROM TEST TEAM. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Sun Cable). LONDON, June 22. The cricket critic of the Daily News says that Parkin will not find it necessary to refuse the invitation to play in the next test match because he has not been selected. Whether this is due to the selectors’ estimate of his bowling or disapproval of his article is not known. There is a rule that no -player engaged in the tests should write or comment on it until the season is ended. Parkin has not only broken it—he has driven a coach and four through it.The Daily Mail says that those having the good of cricket at heart will regret the Parkin outbreak, particularly his expression of resentment so strongly in print. Many bowlers in the past have felt that they had a grievance and believed themselves slighted by the captain and gruipbled [ to their friends, but they were not guilty of open mutiny. By his angry outburst | Parkin lost ®uch of the sympathy which I would have been his. Hearne and Robert | Tyldesley replace Parkin and Ernest Tyldesley in the selection for England second test i team, otherwise the side is the same.

The cricket writer of the Daily Chronicle says: It is probable that the keenness of the race between Parkin and Tate to take 100 wickets accentuates Parkin’s sense of injustice. His action makes it impossible for the Selection Committee to include him as they instructed everyone taking part in the test match to make no comments. I had a chat with Parkin, who says it was necessary to make a stand against a mistaken captaincy. A STORM BREWING. PROMINENT AUTHORITIES’ VIEWS (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Sun Cable.) LONDON, June 22. (Received June 23, 7.20 p.m.) Amongst numerous comments on Parkins’ action Hobbs said: “There is going to be a storm which will not do the game any good. I am not going to be caught out in it. Mr F. H. Gillingham declares that Parkin has found a novel way of committing suicide as a professional cricketer. Douglas said he considered Parkin’s articles always amusing, and this one in a particularly humorous vein. The cricket writer of the Daily Chronicle says: “It is probable that the keeness of the race between Parkin and Tate to take 100 wickets accentuates Parkin’s sense of injustice. His action makes it impossible for the selection committee to include him as they instructed everyone taking part in the test match not to pass comment on the game.

ATHLETICS

THE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS. SOUTH AFRICANS’ SUCCESSES. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 22. At Stamford Bridge there were 20,000 present for the Athletic Championships. The Africans secured three titles, the third being gained by E. G. Sutherland with a javelin throw of 175 feet eleven inches. Abrahams won the long jump, 22 feet 8-j inches.

Football

RUGBY UNION. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS. The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the Southland Rugby Union last evening was attended by Messrs T. Meredith (Chairman), J. A. Doig, T. McCarroll, D. Torrance, A. Glass, J. T. Lilburne, A. H. Courtis, A. J. Geddes, J. Stobo, A. H. Stott, T. Baird and W. Carswell. CORRESPONDENCE.

The secretary of the Bluff Club wrote, inquiring whether his club had been awarded the fourth grade match, Bluff v. Makarewa, set down to be played on May 16. As Makarewa had not forwarded an explanation as requested, the application was granted. A letter was received from the Wakatipu Sub-Union stating that the Arrow Football Club had applied to have the names of W. McLaren and W. Dacre removed from the disqualification list. After deliberation the Sub-Union had come to the conclusion that both Dacre and McLaren had been sufficiently punished and suggested that the Union should view the matter favourably.

Mr Lilburne moved and Mr Geddes seconded : “That this Union has no recommendation to make.” Mr Geddes stated that the case was one of the worst that had ever come under his notice. Betting had been indulged in with the players of the Queenstown team and the whole occurrence reflected very badly on the two men concerned.—The resolution was adopted.

A letter was received from the Waikiwi Football Club, stating that it would be impossible to raise a team to meet Pirates B on Saturday next. During the season the club had had a strenuous time in keeping its fixtures because of the limited number of players available. With the departure of White and Richardson the club’s prospects for the remainder of the season were not very bright. The club suggested that any of the players, who had intentions of playing with other clubs, be granted the necessary permission conditionally upon these players resuming with the Waikiwi Club next season.—lt was decided to refer the matter to the Re-grading Committee with a view to regrading sufficient players to enable the club to play in the junior competition.

A protest was received from the Star Club protesting against the Invercargill Club’s junior team’s action in playing J. Holloway, who was a member of the Waikiwi dub.—lnvercargill Club to be asked for an explanation. The Southern Club protested against the Marist Club playing W. Wills, J. Fogarty and A. Stoddard in the match on Wednesday last. The letter stated that the first two players had played in the Saturday senior competition in (wo successive matches. The third player was a member of the Invercargill Club—Marist Club to be asked for an explanation. The Pirates Club protested against the action of the Winton B team in playing a Saturday senior player.—Explanation to be asked for. H. Blee applied for a transfer from the Waikiwi Club to the Marist dub.—Referred to Re-Grading Committee. The secretary of the Marist dub wrote, in reply to the Union’s request for an explanation of the “apparent” over-weighted-ness of its fourth grade players as reported by Mr Stobo, of the Technical dub. The players referred to, with one exception, had been weighed in within the prescribed time and were all under the required weight. The Marist dub’s Committee took strong exception to Mr Stobo’s letter, which was based, as he termed it, on the apparent difference in weight. Mr Carswell and Mr Stott seconded that the Marist Club be written to and informed that at the time the Technical dub’s letter was received, the weights of eight boys only had been handed in. The motion was carried, and it was also decided to inform the Marist dub that the letter was not vague, that the secretary of the Technical College was quite in order and that the Union was perfectly satisfied. The protest of the Pirates dub against the Action of the Southern second grade team in playing a Saturday player was upheld. GROUNDS COMMITTEE. The Grounds Committee reported that part of the eastern area had been ploughed with a motor tractor, the results being highly satisfactory. In reference to the shifting of the dressing shed to the Biggar street Reserve, the Committee reported that it had inspected the Biggar street grounds and found that the shed could be conveniently shifted. It was recommended that the small shed at Biggar street be shifted to Rugby Park for repairs, prior to being sent to Queen’s Park. Mr Lilburne reported that the estimated cost of shifting the dressing shed to Biggar street was £33. The Chairman referred to the satisfactory work of the tractor and congratulated the Committee on having adopted this means of having the work carried out. The report was adopted. BIGGAR STREET RESERVE. The Chairman referred to the question "of shifting the dressing sheds at the back of the old pavilion to the Biggar street Reserve at an estimated cost of £33. Mr Geddes, in moving that the shed be shifted, said that it would be some years before the Union would be able to provide extensive improvements to Biggar street. The shed would accommodate four teams and if it could be removed at a cost of £33 it would be a cheap proposition. Mr A. H. Stott seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

THE “PRESS” STRIP. In accordance with notice of motion, Mr Lilburne moved that the previous resolution of the Union “Thai the Tress’ and ballboys be the only ones admitted to the Tress’ strip,” be rescinded. The motion was seconded and carried. The Chairman, Mr T. Meredith, said that he did not see any reason why the ‘Tress” should be allowed in the “Press” strip. The strip was so named for no particular reason except that the “Press” were allowed there. In any case a reporter could only report one match at a time and that being so, there should be no need for more than one reporter to be on each side of the ground. He also did not think that there was any need for the members of the Ambulance to be there, except perhaps when only one man could be present at the Park. He supposed that the members of the Rugby Union did as much for football as anyone else, and yet they did not use the “Press” strip. Mr Lilburn moved that two ball-boys and two members of the Ambulance be the only ones allowed in the “Press” strip. Mr T. Baird seconded the motion. Mr A. J. said that the “Press” should be a free lance, but if so desired only one reporter from each paper could be allowed there. The papers gave a lot of time and did a great deal for football. Mr W. Carswell agreed with Mr Geddes, and said that to a limited extent the “Press” should have access to the strip. He had noticed that on many occasions, when the weather was far from inviting, the reporters still made use of the strip. The Chairman: That was because they did not want to go further afield. Mr Geddes moved as an amendment that a member from each paper should be included and that the number of Ambulance men be not restricted. Mr Carswell seconded the amendment. Mr Lilburn said that the best view of the play was from the grandstand. He had noticed that the “Press” took up their position there on occasions, and that was proof conclusive that they could see better from there. On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried by a large majority. FIXTURES. The following fixtures have been arranged:— —Saturday, June 28. Senior Grade A.—Star v. Marist, Rugby Park No. 1, 2.30 pan.; Pirates v. Invercargill, Rugby Park, No. 2., 2.30 pan. Senior Grade B.—Pirates v. Winton, Queen’s Park, No. 1., 3 p.m.; Bluff—a bye. Second Grade.—Star v. Makarewa, Makarewa, 3 pan.; Invercargill v. High School, High School 1, 2.15 p.m.; Marist v. Southern (practice match), Southern Reserve, 2 p.m. Third Grade.—lnvercargill v. High School, High School, No. 2., 2.15 p.m.; Southern v. Technical, Biggar Street, No. 1, 2.15 pan. Fourth Grade. Star v. Technical, Queen’s Park, No. 2, 1.30 pan.; Bluff v. High School, Biggar Street, No. 2, 3 p.m.; Invercargill v. Makarewa, Queen’s Park, No. 2, 3 pan.; Marist—a bye. —Wednesday, July 2. Pirates v. Invercargill, Rugby Park No. 1, 2J.5 pan.; Marist v. Winton, Rugby Park, No. 2, 3 p.m.; Southern —bye. POSTPONEMENTS. It was decided to fly a flag at McGruer, Taylors, when matches would be played, the lowering of the flag to indicate that matches have been put off. TOWN v. CENTRAL THE INVERCARGILL TEAM. The following players have been selected to represent Town against Central at Waianiwa to-morrow afternoon and are asked to travel by motor ’bus leaving the Post Office at 1.15 p.m. George Cleland, Anderson, Calder, Hawke, R. Murray, J. Hazlett, P. Preston, J. Johnston, J. Shepherd, P. Burt, J. McCambridge, C. Ryan, W. Matheson, J. Todd, J. Archer, Kerse, Batchelor and Lee. IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT. SATURDAY’S GAMES. On Saturday Orepuki School played the Riverton School at Riverton. In a fast game the local boys won by 8 points to 3. For Riverton, Lockett, Gray, Fraser and Swift played well, while for the Orepuki team Topping, Thomson, Suddaby and Love showed up well Mr R. N. Wilson refereed.

On Saturday the Orepuki third grade team played the Riverton third graders at Riverton, and suffered defeat by 9 points to 6. The ground was very greasy, but still both teams gave an exceptional display of football. Mr C. S. Cassels controlled the game. The Ohai senior team travelled to Riverton to play the local senior team. As there had been two matches already played on the ground, the playing area was in a very bad state. Play for the first half was up and down the field slightly in favour of Ohai. The Ohai forwards were securing the ball and Jaggers (half), started some good passing rushes, but the deadly tackling of the Riverton backs did not allow these rushes to go far. Halftime blew with no score. The second half, for the most part, was a repetition of the first, play zig-zagging up and down the field till Ohai were given a penalty in front of the goal which Matheson converted. From the kick-off, Ohai came with a rush and scored. The shot at goal failed. • This wakened the Riverton team up and they made a determined attack on the Ohai line where finally, Mills, securing from a loose ruck cross-kicked to his backs and Davis put in a good run through the opposing backs and scored. The attempt at converting failed. Shortly after this the whistle blew for full time, leaving Ohai the winners by six points to 3. Mr Mclntyre refereed. At Orawia, the Orawia seniors defeated Otautau seniors by 3 points to nil. The game was mostly confined to the forwards owing to the greasy state of the balk This is the first defeat Otautau have suffered and it now makes them lead in the Flag Competition by 2 match points. Mr Wyeth refereed. OTAGO RUGBY UNION. REFUSE GROUND FOR LEAGUE MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, June 23. At a meeting of the Otago Rugby Union to-night Mr H. A. Millard, Official Organiser for the N.Z. Rugby Football League applied for the use of a ground for a match between the English touring team and a Canterbury team. The Union after discussing the matter decided to refuse to grant the use of a ground for League matches. THE ALL BLACKS. CHRISTCHURCH PLAYERS FARE - WELLED. “AMBASSADORS OF NEW ZEALAND” (Special to the Times). CHRISTCHURCH, June 23. Speaking at the Canterbury Rugby Union’s farewell to the six Canterbury All Blacks, Mr F. T. Evans said he was one of the five selectors of the 1905 All Blacks, and in that year the team had to be picked on the paper form of tW previous year. On this occasion the team had been picked only after exhaustive trials. A big error was being made, he said, in not sending one of the “has beens” as a coach. The young members of the team would listen to an old player and profit by his experience. The present team would meet a much stronger opposition than that of the 1905 combination, and they had to

keep up the name of New Zealand. They were expected to eclipse the WO5 tour, and so had a heavy responsibility. With regard to the tour, apart from winning the matches, the team had to act as ambassadors of the country. It did not matter how the matches went so long as they played the game. The players would probably meet members of the Scottish Executive, and he would ask the players to tell them what the New Zealand people thought of their action in refusing to meet their own kith and kin in friendly sport after travelling 16,000 miles for the purpose. In Ireland, Brian McCleary would, no doubt, be New Zealand’s ambassador, and to him would fall the hotnour of informing the Irish of how New Zealand welcomed Ireland to the ranks of the self-governing Dominions. He warned the players against the wiles of Wales, and urged them not to be carried away by the famous singing of the thousands of onlookers as the men of Wales came out to do battle. In regard to France, which was now recognised as an undoubted factor in Rugby football, he would ask the players to pay the respects of New Zealand to the memory of the laote Eric Harper and D. Gallaher, of the original All Blacks, who played the game in the Great War and now lay in Flander’s fields. He urged the six All Blacks to pay the strictest attention to their training and practise the greatest self denial “The Town Hall will not hold the crowds who will turn out to welcome these men on their return, Mr Mayor,” said Mr Evans in conclusion.

SOCCER.

THE CHINESE TOUR. A GOOD TEAM. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 23. Writing to Mr B. L. Salmon of the New Zealand Football Association under date of April 30, Dr Gray, of Y.M.C.A., Shanghai, China, states that Mr A. E. Dome, Physical Director of the Y.M.C.A. at Hong Kong, has been selected to act as manager and leader of the party of footballers to tour New Zealand. At the time of writing some 20 of the best players in China had given in their names as being prepared to make the trip if fortunate enough to be selected to make one of the team. ' A good deal of progress had been made in the game in China and according to Dr Gray a very fine team would be sent, equalling in every way, if not better than, the team which toured Australia in 1923. It was hoped to send full records of performances of the team by the following mail.