COMPETITION NO. 20.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 42

COMPETITION NO. 20.

DISAPPOINTING ENTRIES. The fleet i.s the reason for everything still, and perhaps it really was the excitement of that memorable week which made readers disinclined to enter into competition with each other in describing the N.Z. tour of the British footballers in verse. Or, perhaps, interest in the gallant A-nglo-Welsh team fizzled out when our visitors left. At all events, but few attempted the task set on this occasion, and of these only one merits publication. No second prize will, therefore, be awarded. The first prize is won by 11. J. ENGLEFJLELD, Stock-road, Manaia, Taranaki. This gentleman’s contribution is distinctly good, and, though we might legitimately have closed this competition without giving a prize, owing to the small number of competitors, it is considered more fair to reward Mr. Englefield’s industry and skill. OUR RECENT FOOTBALL VISITORS. ODE TO THE BRITISH LION. Vcni, vidi, vici, is a saying ought but new; And now this year the British lion has proved it isn’t true. ’Tis true, he came; ’tis true, he saw; but, alas! to tell the tale, lie couldn’t keep the third part, for therein he did fail. Now, he started at Wairarapa with a creditable win, Which caused his loyal supporters to wear a pleasant grin. But when he met New Zealand, with her picked and chosen band, They made him act the part of sieve, and they the part of sand. That is, they went right through him, from forward unto back, Until he couldn’t wag hig tail for fear he’d hurt his back. But still he proved to one and all that he hadn't lost his pluck, Whilst all good sportsman here will own he’d not the best of luck. And maybe in the future, when he visits us once more, He’ll take away the ashes to Britain’s sea-girt shore. And if he does, New Zealand will exclaim: “Alas! Alack! We’ll have to cross the ocean blue and bring those laurels back.”