Australians’ Praise New Hockey Field At Centennial Park

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 August 1948, Page 2

Australians’ Praise New Hockey Field At Centennial Park

Saturday was a red letter day in Marton as lar as hockey was concernea and although tne Ran'giUKei eleven was soundly defeated by a tar superior Australian women's team, the exposition given by the visitors was an eye-opener, rations lett tne ground well satisned by tne fare provided. Fortune indeed smiled on the Rangitikei Women’s Hockey Association. Organisation was perteet ana even the weather clerk is to be congratulated on turning on such a line oay, although the visitors tound the temperature during the alternoon a little chilly. Centennial Park, which was looking its best, received its hockey baptism and the visitors had nothing but praise for the fast, smootn surface. It certainly suited their style of play. Speaking to the “Chronicle” after the game, one of the players spoke enthusiastically of the ground, which she said was far superior to that provided for the match aganst Auckland on the previous Wednesday. “If we strike grounds for the remainder ol the tour like Marton's we will be well satisfied.” she added. The match drew one of the largest audiences ever assembled for a sporting fixture in Marton. Even the Australians were surprised at the- generous public patronage. The gate takings amounted to £lO3 and the attendance was officially estimated at 1750. An interesting feature of the two teams was the preponderance of married women, there being six in each team. Civic Reception. Prior to the start ol tne main game, a reception was accorded tne visiting team ov Mr. A. t>. GOrnon ivi.F.. anu lhe Mayor, Mr. 'l. H. tiarton. I’ney were introduced to the gathering oi the president ot tne Rangitikei Women’s Hocxey Association, Miss M. Middlemiss. In welcoming the team. Mr. Gordon referred to the fact tnat this was tne first international nocxey team ever to play in Marton and ne trusted that their visit to the district ana tour of New Zealand would be a very happy one. "We are very proud of our hockey players in Rangitikei, who, when at the Dominion tournaments have always brought bacx credit witn tnem,'' said tne Mayor. He paid a tribute to the initiative ol tne Rangitikei Hockey Association in securing tne fixture anu said Marton was lortunate in being allocated a matcii against-the Australians. In waning the visitors every success on tneir tour he Hoped they would return home witn happy recollections oi tneir trip to New Zeuiana and especially their visit to Marton, ’i’he snort ceremony concluded with cheers lor the two teams.

Both teams were piped on to the field by thq Marton ripe Band, anu at the interval tne band again entertained. This was tne first time tne band had penornied beiore suci> a large crowd and tnev impressed ootn with tneir marching and playing ability. the urum-inaior was Mr. G. button. Dinner To Australians.

On Saturday evening tne visiting Australian team was entertainea at a sumptuous dinner at the Wnite Hart Hotel, by tlie ojiiificials of the Rangitikei Women’s Hockey Association and the Umpires’ Association, 'rhe dining room was tasteiulv decoratea with red, gold, black, green and yellow streamers, tne colours of the two teams. Also present were Mr. A. R. Beyers, representing the Manawatu Association. Mrs. M. Simpson, president ol the Wanganui Hockey Association, who is travelling with the Australian team. The president of the Rangitikei Association. Miss M. Middlemiss, presided. Miss A. Rees, manageress of the touring team, thanked the association for the overwhelming hospitality accorded her team since it arrived in Marton, and she particularly referred to the enjoyable visit the members of the team had to the Turakina Maori Girls’ College. She congratulated the citizens of Marion on their foresight in possessing such a splendid ground for hockey as Centennial Park. “There could be no better investment” said Miss Rees. Other members who spoke at the dinner were Miss Wilkins, Mrs. May Campbell, captain of the Australian team, Mrs. E. Tolley, captain of the Rangitikei team. Miss Joan Noble (New South Wales) one of the umpires and Miss M. Wilkie, manageress of the Rangitikei team. During the evening reference was made to the outstanding work of Mr. E. O. Pryce and his daughter, Miss M. Pryce, for the many hours of time and energy thev had given to the Association in preparing the ground for the match.

DANCE FOR VISITORS. Residents gave the Australians a great welcome at the dance held in tne Victory Hall on Saturday night, some 450 dancers crowding lhe hall. Needless to say, the tourists were in great demand as partners. Green, yellow, red and black streamers, reprenting the colours of the two teams made effective decorations in lhe dance hail and supper room. Poppies and ualtodils also brightened the supper tables. The ladies’ committee under the very capable and energetic supervision ot Mrs. P. Zander did a noble job of work in serving a tasty supper. Marks’ orchestra was in good torn: and bright snappy music enlivened the colourful proceedings. “Extras’’ were contributed bv Miss Dora Kent a member of the Te Kauwau Club. It was announced during the evening that the winners of the Chenille beach capes were Mrs. E. Tolley and Mrs. J. Mclntosh, respective goalies of the Rangitikei and Australian teams. The Australians leave this morning for Wellington. PERSONAL. Miss M. Wilkie (Marton) has been selected as one of the umpires to officiate in the women's hockey test match at Dunedin on September 4. between New Zealand and Australia. This was announced by Miss M. Wilkins, a member of the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association executive, when speaking at a dinner in Marton on Saturday night tendered to the touring Australian team.