TOURING CRICKETERS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19763, 19 December 1935, Page 10

TOURING CRICKETERS

‘ TEAM TO FIJI. WARM WELCOME EXTENDED. FIRST MATCH TO-DAY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Deo. 19, 3 p.m.) SUVA, Dec. 19. The Maoriland cricket team arrived on Sunday, and despite a drenching' downpour were in the best of spirits. They were met by the President (a former New Zealander, Mr S. H. Ellis) and members of the local association. A reception was held in their honour in the afternoon at the President's residence at Tawavua, where they met the cricketing public of Suva. On Monday they were tendered a reception by the Mayor, who emphasised the splendid relations between Fiji and New' Zealand and the value of such tours as the present one. Mr H. B. Massey’s (captain) reply wa.s most. apt. In >the evening the players attended an official dinner and welcome at the Hotel Pacific. Eighty people were •present. The President’s welcome was supported by Prince Ratu Pope, the reigning Chief of Fiji, also Sir Henry Scott, a member of the Fiji cricket team which toured in 1895. Messrs E. G. Sutherland (manager) and H. B Massey received an ovation when they replied.On Tuesday the visitors were entertained in the afternoon by the Governor. ’On Wednesday they took part In an expedition to Bau, the ancient Fijian capital, as the guests of Prince Rata Pope. They witnessed a Fijian entertainment and played picnic cricket. They returned to Suva in the evening laden with presents of native fruits. The team has held keen practices for the first match to-day against the Suva second eleven.