ACTRESS KICKS OFF.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 June 1926, Page 13

ACTRESS KICKS OFF.

NEAV ZEALANDERS AT HOME. Tho London-New Zealand Rugby fixture last month Look tlio iorin of a charity match against Finchley, in aid of tho casualty ward of tlio Finchley Memorial Hospital. Sir James Allen was present and was photographed with the New Zealand team before tho match. About 4000 people wore present and tho visitors had a very hearty reception. A police band was 011 the grounds and played selections beforo and after tlio match, as well as during tlio interval. Miss Betty Blythe, a popular film actress, had the responsibility of kicking oil. Tlio scrummage that immediately followed because the ball had not been, kicked ten yards, gave Miss Blythe tho opportunity of retiring Horn the field of play. Mr Tom A oyce, who has played for an English International side 28 times, acted as referee. Another little ceremony before play started was the presentation by tho Kiwi Polish Company of a life-si.tod model kiwi as a mascot for the Now Zealanders. Mill. It. To Kiri led a liaka, which was loudly applauded. It was a keenly-played match, the New Zealanders going on against wind and sun. Half-way through the first spell the home team obtained a penalty goal, hut just beforo half-time C. E. Thomson got over the lino and equalled the score. The kick was disallowed owing to some infringement. In tho second half the New Zealanders played a vigorous game and tries were scored by D. R. Rylance (captain) and W. J. G. Wyllie, but neither was converted. Victory thus went to the New Zealand team by 9 point to 3. It is interesting to note that fourteen members of tlie team were genuine New Zealanders, the one exception being a member of tlio High Commissioner’s staff. The players were: —T. Malcolm (Thames), who is in tlio meat trade; J. G. Sfeect (Auckland), a medical officer in tlio Royal Air Force; G. Flanagan (Wellington), of the Australian firm of Mark Foy., Ltd.; N. McMillan (Auckland), National Bank of New Zealand; R. Pilling (Auckland, who is on holiday in England; D. R. Itvlance (Auckland), dental surgeon; 'i)(. L. Forester-Walker (Waikato); T. R. Brooks (Wellington), High Commissioner’s staff; 11. R. Te Kiri (Rotorua) ; D. Vinnicombc, not a New Zealander, member of the High Commissioner’s staff; C. R. McCullough (Auckland), with Messrs Smith, Wylie and Co.; N. C. Sheridan (Marlborough), High Commissioner’s staff; E. T. Ellison (Christchurch), dairy produce trade; W. J. G. Wyllie (Otago) National Bank of Now Zealand; and C. E. Thomspn intlio textile trade (Timaru). After the match the visiting team was entertained at tea by the home foam and later on a dance was held. It is estimated the Finclilcy Hospital will benefit to the extent of £2OO by the match.