SPORT IN SAMOA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 202, 27 August 1936, Page 10

SPORT IN SAMOA

THE STRENUOUS PASTIMES KEEN COMPETITION AMONG CLUBS (Written by the Press Association's representative with the New Zealand Government Mission.) Sport has a firm hold in Western Samoa. The pastimes of the people include golf, cricket, soccer, Rugby, boxing, yachting, tennis, badminton, shooting and racing. Rivalry is keen and always in the best spirit. About twelve years ago there were as many as eight cricket teams in competition with each other, and some fine performances were recorded. Lack of grounds and material resulted in a falling off in the number of clubs, and for a period the game was in the doldrums. Jn 1932, however, it was given a fresh life with the institutions of annual matches against the men from visiting warships. Apia were the champions in 1932, and in the two following years honours went to Avele, the native Government school, coached by R. Nicol, a prominent Wellington Old Boys’ footballer. Since 1933 5.0: Children's hour. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0 • News and reports. 7.30; Gardening talk. 8.0: Chimes. 4YA Conceit Orchestra. 8.11: Recording, Sophie Braslau, contralto. 8.23: Lionel Tertis, viola. 8.32: The Orchestra. 8.40; Talk, Major F. H. Lampen, “Sunday Island.” 9.0: Weatner report and station notices. 9.5: An hour with GTbert and Sullivan, featuring “Trial by Jury.” 10.5: Music, mirth and melody. 11.0: Close down. 4YO, DUNEDIN (1110 k.c.). 5.0: Selected recordings. 6.0: Close down. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0; Variety and vaudeville programme. 10.0: Light musical recital. 10.30: Close down. AUSTRALIAN STATIONS (The times given are N.Z. standard times.) 2BL, SYDNEY. (740 kilocyclce). 9.30: "Indian Summer of a Song.” 10.5: “Mus'.c of Yesterday and To-day.” 10.40: “New Songs,” presented by Stanley Clarkson, basso. 11.0: The fourth annual city of Sydney Eisteddfod. From the main Assembly Hall. 2FC, SYDNEY. (610 kilocycles). 9.30: National programme from Adelaide. 10.0: Interlude. 10.5: A recital by Sydney de Vries, famous Dutch baritone. 10.25: Interlude. 10.30: National programme from Sydney, “Honeypot.” SHORT WAVE BROADCASTS 8.8. C. EMPIRE BROADCAST. CSB (31.55 m. ; GSD (25.53 m. 4.45: Big Ben. The 8.8. C. Empire Orchestra. 5.40; "Coastal Craft.” 5.55: “In Accordance with Regulations,” a farce in four scenes. 6.25: The news and announcements. 4.45: Close down. DJB, GERMANY (19.74 m. 4.35 p.m.: Call DJA. DJB (German, English). 4.40: Musical entertainment. 5.30: News in German. 5.45: Musical entertainment (continued). 6.25: Greetings to our listeners. 6.30: News and economic review in English. 6.45: Musical variety. 8.0: The Drwenski Berlin Chamber Orchestra. 8.45: Review of current periodicals. 9.0: News and economic review in German. 9.15: Hitler youth programme. 9.45: Sign oft of DJA aid DJB (German, English).

no rival has succeeded in lowering the colours of the Apia representatives. Their most meritorious win was when they defeated a strong leam from the H.M.S. Australia. The matches occupy one day only, and are therefore played in carefree style. A revival has taken place also in boxing, and fortnightly contests are held in the Tivoli Theatre. As some . of the boys, particularly those from _ the Marist Club, receive expert tuition some splendid rounds are provided. The sport, was given impetus i a few years ago when the Hon. I. H. > Carruthers presented a belt for the t South Seas Championship. Immedi- ( ately, W. Scanlon, a well-known i Hawaiian heavyweight, living in Apia, lodged a challenge, which was j accepted by R. David, of Savaii. i Both men went into training, and a ] packed house witnessed the fight. . For the first few rounds Scanlon was j more than a match for his oppon- - ent, who was twice on the verge of ? I “dreamland.” A great heart, how- , ever kept David on his feet and he j J went on to win a popular victory by 1 a narrow margin of points. Later, a team of boxers from . American Samoa visited Apia, and - was defeated in the majority of , bouts. A return contest was arrang- - ed, eight representatives going over - to Pago Pago, and again the Apia 3 boys proved too good, losing only one contest. At present an enthusiast is sorting out the lads with lhe idea of having a champion in each grade. The New Zealand Boxing Association has promised assistance, and the future of the sport in Apia is assured. I Rugby lootball has been played in Western Samoa for the past fifteen years. As elsewhere, the interest is y keener some season than others, but this year has' been one of the peak years. The season lasts from February to May, the hottest, stickiest and wettest part of the year. Very few New Zealanders play in the competition, as they find the weather tor, exacting, but their services as coaches (i are eagerly availed of. Up to the end j of 1935 there were three grade- A, B and C. Each grade competed for a championship cup, and in the senior division teams were fielded by Vaiala, Lepea, Apia, Avele Old Boys and Malifa Old Boys. Vaiala was the ) most successful club team, a good deal of its success being due to the captain and coach, Alec.*Macdonald, brother of Angus Macdonald, a wellknown Wellington representative. Alec is considered to be an even better player than Augus. y In the B grade Rugby competition the Marist Club has come to the y fore. Four schools, Avele, Malifa, Hi Ifi, and Marist have been having some strenuous tussles, with the lastnamed victors in the majority of games. During (he 1935 season interest appeared to be waning, so it was H decided to institute competition among teams from various business firms in the town. Several houses ’• responded, and one of the best seasons in the history of the sport was experienced. A referees’ association meets fortnightly, and its members receive every assistance from the N.Z. Referees’ Association. The various administrators have always taken a keen interest in the sport. The latest innovation is soccer. At present, registration is confined to the Europeans, and three teams are a fielded.