ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 9, 1 July 1898, Page 6

ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM IN CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our special correspondent.)

On Wednesday, 13th June, the St. Patrick's College team left Wellington by the popular s.s. Rotomahana on a visit to the Cathedral city to play the Boy's High School and Leeston Clubs Dr. Watterp, Rector of the College, and.the Rev. Father Hills, one of the masters, accompanied the team. After a splendid passage during which they met with every kindness at the hands of the officers of the steamer, the travellers reached Lyttelton and proceeded to Christchurch by the 7.20 a.m. train. On arrival at the City Hotel they were waited on by the captain and members of the High School team.

That afternoon the team was driven to the High School and subsequently, after donning their football attire, the two teams were driven to the North Park, where the match was to be played. A great crowd (estimated at 2,000, and including a number of ladies) was present. An evenly contested and exciting game left the St. Patrick's College team victors by 6 points to 5. Mr. J. Collins, of Christ College, acted in the responsible position of referee. For the College McEvedy scored a try and kicked a gaol from a penalty kick. For the Hgh School Byrne scored and Gibbs registered the major points.

After the game afternoon tea was dispensed to the two teams by the lady friends of the High School boys at the High School. Mr. Bevan-Brown, the head-master, welcomed the boys, and the Very Rev. Dr. Watters thanked him for his words of kindly welcome. At the invitation of the Linwood Club the teams spent the evening in the club's 100 ms, and much admired them. On Friday afternoon the boys were the guests of the High School in a drive to Kaiapoi, where they were courteously shown over the Woollen Mills. On Saturday afternoon the Rector brought the team to Suniner for a drive, and on that night the two teams were the guests of the Linwood Football Club at a social in their rooms. The kindness and courtesy of the club was much appreciated. The boys are never tired lauding to the skies the attention and kindness they receive from Mrs. McNamara, of the City Hotel.