The Maori Footballers.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 245, 10 January 1889, Page 4

The Maori Footballers.

Bmu English scribes have drifted into poetry on the football matches, of which the follow, ing is a sample Fonr-and-twenty Maoris starting on a tour; Fifteen play the game and nine to watch the score. Fifteen Maoris, battling hard with Surrey ; Two get their legs smashed through excessive harry. Two-and-twenty Maoris try their luck with Kent, Fifteen etill play the game, and seven in the tent. Fifteen Maoris, • playing 1 rather rough; Three of them got carted off, having had enough. Nineteen Maoris, working further North; Four look on now, while fifteen to play go forth. Fifteen Maori, vanquishing North Hants; Four get their limbs torn, and several their pants. Fifteen Maoris, resuming three days later; AU have now to play the game, and none to play spectator. Fifteen Maoris, at Burton-on-the-Trent; Three very soon to the right-about were sent. And then twelve Maoris, trying to hold their own; Six break an arm or two, or else a collarbone. .Half a dozen Maoris, of all save pluck bereft; Fight one more battle, and then none an left. Four and-twenty Maoris, damaged beyond measure; AU swear there’s nothing like a football trip for pleasure.