N. Z. LEAGUE TEAM ENJOY SEA TRIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19118, 10 July 1930, Page 13

N. Z. LEAGUE TEAM ENJOY SEA TRIP.

“ HAPPY, FIT, AND ALL READY FOR BIG TOUR.” (By the ‘'Star’s” Special Correspondent with the N.Z. League Team.) To the unitiated, the trip across the Tasman Sea to Australia is something of a wrench from the normal run of life. With but live or six exceptions the New Zealand Rugby League team, which left Wellington by the Ulimaroa on Friday, June 27, had had no experience of ocean travel; it was their first venture and therefore one full of uncertainty, lor King Mal-de-mer is no consistent discriminator. Bright sunshine and a strong, bracing breeze favoured the passage, of the steamer down and out of the harbour into the swell of C ook Strait. T he boys took shelter aft the main deck, and for an hour or two watched the graduallv fading outlines of the shores of their native isles. Other passengers were quick to show interest in these healthy and hefty specimens of Maoriland footballers, who soon adapted themselves to their new conditions. The team members located their luggage, cabins and berths, and the managers (Messrs A. Ferguson and W J. Taylor) arranged the seats to be occupied in the dining saloon. Judging bv the expressions heard, this part of the vessel promised to be very popular, as the sounding of the gong clearly demonstrated. A few hours on the high seas creates an inner craving if that queer feeling of remorse has not become evident. The initial meal invariably is the test of “the good sailor.” All went to bed early. 9.30 p.m.. with instructions for “reveille” at 6.30 a.m. for deck training. Although favoured by the first day’s putting back of the clock—a system that proceeds as you go west—the morning call did not reveal a full muster. Some members of the team were a trifle squeamish. However, operations soon began. After ball practice and other exercise in the morning, the boys appeared to have found their “sea-legs.” The voyage thus far was wonderfully placid—a treat compared with some of the trips experienced in the crossing of Cook Strait. However, it was surprising to see the number of people already missing from smoke rooms, lounges, decks and meals. But Gregory's men ( were well standing up to their first “test.” Cheerful Party. In the afternoon practice was indulged in with greater vigour than

ever, but the West Coaster, Dodds, found it incumbent to rest. During this outing one of the two new match balls brought over struck the ship railing and slewed under the canvas protection material and dropped overboard. Great were the lamentations over this loss, but it was quite an accident. Then the merry rangitira, Watene, who claims that the totara (the tourists) will never fall, gave preliminary instruction in the haka that will prove as ever an intriguing warcry tor the players and public of Australia. F'or several hours deck tennis, golf,’ and other games were enjoyed. The Ulimaroa slowed up and almost stopped lor half an hour owing to some trouble with one of the engines. The weather was cloudy but fine and the sea running fair. Passengers were now au fait with each other. Watene was the comedian of the party, and his “ mana ” was infectious, Timms, Abbott, Jones, Stephenson, Gregory, Trautvetter, Pearce, Eckhoff, Calder and Seagar were amongst the bright lights, and the Northlander, Meyer, had come out of his shell in surprising manner. Clark, Brisbane, Pearce, Amos, Dodds, Dobbs, Barchard and Wetherill were more reserved, but nevertheless entered into all the fun. Dobbs had several students of “bridge” under his command in the evenings, when the tables were popular until it came to brisk walks and runs on deck or dancing. Duftv was in great form. He was heard early in the morning proclaiming the virtues of the vessel’s “shark-proof” baths in which he declared he had swum a distance that was equivalent to Manly and back. Results From Home. On Sunday morning the team was “up with the larks” delighted with all conditions, calm sea and sunshine. All hands were on deck and the haka Was delivered with striking unison, much to the enjoyment of passengers. Wetherill provides the final “kick” in this exhibition by darting along between the leader and the party with staring eyes and protruding tongue, in time to synchronise in the concluding whoop of challenge. Kinsmen of Watene will be proud to know that this spectacular haka is being staged for the first time on the football battle-grounds abroad. The boys were glad to have news, of the football results from the Dominion, the surprises being the defeat of Marist in Auckland and of Addington in Christchurch. At 10 a.m. the Maunganui passed away to the north, bound for Wellington. By noon we were G 73 miles from New Zealand, with 567 miles to cover before reaching “the city of the bridge”—bowling along to the gentle swell of the Tasman. Several of the boys are developing a high regard for boat travel. It was just the same calmness aboard Sunday evening, and Monday was also

fine. The Ulimaroa soon left behind a steamer overtaken and away to starboard. Popular With Passengers. Lender the heading, “Our League J Football Passengers.” the steamer’s j “daily” appeared with this paragraph: j “The League football All Blacks con- I stitute a conspicuous party aboard, j They are a sturdy lot of young men typifying their country’s manhood, > and, if appearances go for anything 1 they should be the cynosure of all eyes j on the playing fields. Happy and fit, 1 they should arrive in Sydney well prepared for a strenuous tour, for it has to , ! be remembered that the Rugby League j code is practically Australia’s national game. .. . These New Zealanders are undaunted, the successors of many , clever sides that have crossed the Tas- j man. . . . Others on the ship will join in wishing these lads from the land . ’ of the kiwi and the fern, the best of ! j good luck for their games in the Com- ' ! j monwealth.” When 120 miles from 1 t } Sydney (about 3 p.m.) the sky was j i overcast and threatening rain, and the j t j steamer had a more pronounced roll. 1 . ; All the boys were in good trim. , 1 The weather held up well during the » evening and all aboard were keenly ini' terested in the wireless progress reports ; of the second cricket test match in . England. The team retired early and 1 were all up about 5 a.m. to see, if pos- ? . sible, Sydney harbour. The Ulimaroa • cruised round outside the heads for - some time waiting for the pilot, and, : ; except for city lights in the distance, i no good view could be obtained. It r was very dark until 6.30, when many ! passengers were on deck as the steamer j sailed under the two huge converging arms of the bridge nearing completion. ? Officials in full force were on the wharf 1 : to greet the team, which were taken • by a fine charabanc to the Arcadia s j Hotel. The enormouse size and the i speed of Sydney were first impressions i • gained by the many players of the j J i team who arc making their first trip lox •erseas. After such a voyage the 1 ! solid levels ashore have a “billowy” 1 ! motion, but this sensation soon passes Z ..away. The team are a wonderfully fit - and happy one under enthusiastic mans } agers, _