SPRINGBOKS MATCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16494, 3 August 1921, Page 10

SPRINGBOKS MATCH.

RECOCMSTSOK OF CANTERBURY TEAM SUGGESTED.

RUGBY UNION’S CONGRATULATSONS.

The president of the Canterbury Rugbv Union .§. F. Wilson), commenting last night on the fact that the Christchurch Citv Council had congratulated the Canterbury team on its success, said that it was a very great compliment to the team to be recognised by the civic authorities. It was the first time in his experience that the performance of a Rugbv team had been so recognised, and it showed that the value of amateur sport was appreciated. The Canterbury fifteen had battled not only for the Rugby Union, but also for the honour cf the whole province, which they -had worthily upheld. •

“The best advertisement we have had.” said Mr A. I>ey. Mr Wilson said that there was no doubt that football had advertised this Dominion more than anything else. “They know about' Canterbury in South Africa now.'’ said Mr Dey. “ And even in Fiii.” said Mr Wilson. He added that the union should not lose its head over a football match, but he thought that the comm ; ttee might recognise the very great performance of the team by giving some memento of the occasion—not because the' team won, but because of the verv fine game put up. It might be possible to get copies of the nhotoc-raph of the two teams mixed together and give each member an enlarged cony. On Mr motion it was decided to mark the union’s appreciation of the men’s performance, and include the captain and manager of the South African team, and also the Canterbury coach (Mr E. W. Hasell). in the matter. Mr A. Dev said that the Canterbury team had not nlaved an ordinarily nrood game, but had played right above themselves. A letter of thanks was ordered to be sent to the various organisations that had helped to entertain-, the visitors while in Christehurch. RECEIPTS AND GATE. The gross receipts for the Springboks match at Lancaster Park were £1565 13s 6d, and the expenses on the ground £3l ss, leaving a net balance of £1534 8s 6d, of which £306 17s 8d will to the Lancaster Park Board of Control as ground rent and £1227 10s lOd to the New Zealand Rugby Union. The bookings represented £552 ss. or 1841 persons; there were 826 adults who passed through the 5s turnstiles and 94 children who were admitted at 2s 6d (half price) to the inside enclosure; there were 6786 adults who passed through the 2s turnstiles aJid 979 children who passed through the shilling turnstiles. In addition. 1119 persons paid an extra shilling for seats inside the oval. The actual attendance of those who paid for admission was 10,526. CONGRATULATIONS TO CANTERBURY. Mr S. F. Wilson, president of the Canterbury Rugby Union, has received a shoal of congratulations on Canterbury's win against the Springboks. Mr James Henderson, ex-president of the New Sowh Wales Union, cabled from Svdnev: “Congratulations upon Canterbury being first to defeat Springboks.” The following are some extracts from congratulatory telegrams from all over New Zealand : Mr W. J. Woods (Dannevirke) — “What will New Zealand selectors say ?” Mr J. C. E. Turner (Wellington)— “ Some good.” Messrs G. Howe and G. S. Slade (Wellington!—“Good luck.” Mr D. Malone (Stratford) — ‘ Getting my milkers ready for you.” Mr J. Wilson (New Plymouth)— “ Makes us hopeful for next Wednesday.” Mr Harrv Frost (A.uckland) —“ Well done, red and blacks.” Mr Alex. Takarangi (Wanganui)— “ Congratulations on your __ team’s splendid win. Kia ora.” Messrs Carmine (Buller). Ned Parata (Rotorua). H. Fraser (president of the South Canterbury Union). Leslie Murray (Wantwood) and Geddes (Invercargill) also forwarded telegrams of congratulation.