FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4714, 4 August 1893, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

I « I Per Press Association/} WELLINGTON, August & It is improbable that a football match between the New Zealand Rugby team , and South Canterbury will take place, the latter Union being unable to arrange for a public holiday before Thursday. The weather is thick in the Strait, and there is no s'gn of the Wakatipu with the footballers, but it is expected that she will drop in before daylight, in which oaße the offic'al landing will be at 10 a.m. With the wet weather it promises 1o be unfavourable for Saturday's match. The local eighteen will be chosen to-morrow night. Hia Excellency the Governor, who waß asked to formally welcome the team, haß addtessed the following letter to the Chairman of the Beception Committee :— " Am much gratified by the attention shown me by your Reception Committee in giving ioa an opportunity ot welcoming in person the New Zealand football team on their return t> the Colony, and as I do not ficd myself able to avail myself of their kindness, I shall be obliged if you will be good enough to convey to them my warmest congratulations at their success, and my personal gratification on the manner in which they successfully upheld the reputation of the Colony. New Zealand is well known as a country in which the manly sport of football is held in the highest estimation, and I trust that the team you are met to do honour to may long wear the laurels they have so well earned. Among- those who believe that proficiency in such a game goes far to form the character of a people, as well as among all patriotic New Zealanderg, the memory of their achievements will long live as a most pleasant recollection. — Yours, Glasgow."