LEAGUE TOURISTS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2971, 7 August 1928, Page 5

LEAGUE TOURISTS

BRIEF VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE.

CIVIC WELCOME.

Yesterday on their way back from Eotorua to Auckland the English touring League team of footballers paid a brief visit to Cambridge, the stop at our town being arranged with the team's managers by Mr W. R. Edwards, who came from Oldham, the same Home town as that of Mr E. Osborne, a co-manager of the team. The party numbering 35 with the man'agcrs, Messrs E. Osborne and S. F. Tutchins, arrived by motor cars about 1 p.m., and were met at the National Hotel by the Mayor, Mr T. F. Richards, Mr Edwards, and representatives of local sporting bodies.

Lunch over the Mayor, on behalf of the residents of the borough, extended a very warm welcome to the officials and visiting players. In an appropriate speech His Worship said Cambridge and its people claimed to bo typical of the Homeland, and it was with great pleasure that they welcomed worthy representatives. For the information of the tourists Mr Richards referred interestingly to Cambridge's close associations with the Old Country, and to the formers early history. He touched on the value of the interchange of such visits, and in concluding expressed the wish that the tourists' mission would be a successful one -and that their, stay in New Zealand would prove enjoyable and beneficial.

In reply Mr E. Osborne, said tlyit when they passed through Cambridge on their way to Rotorua they were impressed with the Homeland appearance of the town and members of the team had freely commented on this feature, and for this reason they were glad to make a stop on their way back, if only for a short period. Mr Osborne expressed appreciation of the Mayor's tribute to the Motherland, and said that it was solely on account of the Empire spirit that England and her Dominions had been able to pull through some difficult situations. They appreciated the civic welcome and the hospitality of the sportsmen of Cambridge. It was pleasing to them as League players that assembled with them at dinner were two representatives of the local Rugby Union. It indicated that a little bitterness that had been shown was not present in Cambridge. (Applause). On behalf of his co-manager, and the team, Mr Osborne heartily thanked Mr Edwards for his thoughtfulnoss and to the Mayor and local sportsmen for their welcome.

Mr A. E. Harris, vice-president, on behalf, of the Cambridge Rugby Union, said although representing a different code to that played by the visitors, nevertheless their welcome was none the less sincere and hearty. The Cambridge Rugby Union welcomed them to the town as sportsmen and as worthy representatives of the Homeland. (Applause). » Afterwards the visitors and local residents present were photographed outside the hotel, and the party were then escorted around the Domain, the visitors ' comments concerning the latter being most flattering.

The team were given a hearty sendoff as they left for Ngaruawahia, where afternoon tea was to be partaken, en route to Auckland.

Among thoilocal guests besides His Worship the Mayor, were A. E. Harris and V. G. Boulton (Cambridge Rugby Union), W. Stopford (Trotting Club), T. H. Hampshire (Returned Soldiers' Association), and Mr C. Boyce (an old identity).