SPRINGBOKS ARRIVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 208, 3 August 1937, Page 6

SPRINGBOKS ARRIVE

MANAGER REMAINS BEHIND

TEAM’S CASUALTY LIST

Big, broad-shouldered and appearing* to lower massively above the crowd of surrounding spectators, the 1937 Springbok touring* team to meet Manawatu in the match at the Showgrounds to-morrow stepped off the express from New lAymouth on their arrival in Palmerston North, yesterday afternoon, and quietly filed off the station platform to enter tlie bus which brought them to the centre of the city. They were met by the president (Mr A. M. Ongley) and officials of the Manawatu Rugby Union.

Among those present were Messrs H. F. Gibbons (natron), J. A. Colquhoun, J. It. Hnrclie, K. AV. Kglinton, H. R. Crawfo/d, H. J. Hickey, L. J. Plank, W. Gleeson and W. Carrutliers (members of the ltughy executive), also Mr J. H. White (secretary of the ltugbv Union) and Air J. Ryan, who captained the New Zealand Army team which won the ICing’s Cup in Fngjand, and who was vice-captnjn and official trainer of the Army team when it toured South Africa. Air Ryan is also one of the coaches of the Alanawatu team. There was a crowd of several hundred on the station to witness the arrival of the South Africans, and members of the Alanawatu team were there to take stock of their burly opponents in to-morrow’s match. Immediately the SpringboKs arrived at the Imperial Hotel, where they are staving, they opened an overseas mail —the first they have received in New Zealand—and enjoyed reading this correspondence, nfter which they despatched with alacrity a welcome afternoon tea. Subsequently J. White, A. D. Lawton (three-quarters), H. H. Watt and

AV. F. Bergh (forwards) went for a light training *mn at tho Showgrounds to stretch their legs. They liked the area, commenting that the ground was hard and fast. AN INFORMAL WELCOME. Shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday the Mayor (Air A. E. Mansford), Mr J. Hodgens, ALP., and officials of the Alanawatu Rugby Union met the visitors informally. Air Ongley, in welcoming the team, said it gave the local officials an opportunity of seeing tho Springboks off the field as well as on it. They were pleased to he able to extend the hand of friendship, and fraternise with the visitors on common ground. He hoped to see them often, and commented that they were under no obligation at all to comply with any arrangements which had been made for them. Stating that it was a pleasure to welcome them as footballers, visitors and memlicrs of tho British Commonwealth, the Mayor said he wished to extend the right hand of good fellowship to the visitors. All remembered,

he added, the last South African team which visited the Dominion and left behind a fine impression as players and gentlemen. According to reports, too present tourists were maintaining tradition. Alanawatu hoped to give them a hard game and while hoping for the best, were prepared for the worst. The Mayor added that such overseas visits should bo encouraged, as they increased understanding and strengthened the bonds between the constituent parts of tho British Empire. He hoped the Springboks would enjoy their stay in the city and in tlie "Dominion, make lifelong friendships, and carry away tlie happiest recollections of a pleasant tour. NO SMALL “DOORP.”

Replying, All* do Villiors said it had been a wonderful trip, and though very trying, it was interesting travelling from place to place. He had been surprised at the number of large centres within a relatively short distance of each other. They had imagined that Now Zealand consisted mainly of Auckland, AYcllimgton, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and that the other places were “small doorps.” The enthusiasm and understanding of tho game shown by tlie Rugby crowds had been astounding, and the players found an added pleasure in appearing where there was such an appreciation. “ALay the best side win,” concluded Air de Villiors. TRAVELLING WITH TEAM.

There arc several South Africans travelling with the team, some 'as newspaper representatives and others in a private capacity. The official list is as follows:—Air H. J. C. Stephan, ex-Mayor of Capetown; All* G. Wiehalm, Capetown; Air S. K. Hartford, Capetown; Air H. Reed, a Kimberley diamond merchant and a former Griquc Rugby forward; Air H. Hcatlie, farmer, Capetown ; Mr B. E. S. Brunett, chief of tlie East London Eire Department; Air Robert Stevenson, Capetown; Air AV. Kelly, Cape Province, director of the Johannesburg Daily Alail and Sunday Times; Air John 15. Sacks, of the Rand Daily Alail and Sunday Times; and Alr AV. AA'ebcr, Die Burger (Capetown) and the Volksblad, BlomloiiteinL The Springbok team, accompanied by Air A. At. Ongley, president of the Alanawatu Rugby Football Union, were guests of the management of tlie State Theatre last evening. MODEST AND FRIENDLY. It is understood that there will not ho an official dinner held on AVcdnesday evening. During their stay in Palmerston North the visitors will be honorary members of the Alanawatu Club, and the guests of the theatre managements on any evening they wish. A Lodes t and friendly, the Springboks are not fond of official functions, and prefer to meet new acquaintances in the society of tho latter’s own homes, as they are anxious to reach an understanding of the truly New Zealand atmosphere.

Being practical farmers, some members of the team were eagerly anticipating the visit which hail been arranged to Alassey Agricultural College to-day, while others expected to have a round of golf. An official Rugby practice was held at tho Showgrounds this morning. The front of tho Imperial Hotel, where the Springboks are quartered, is illuminated with green and yellow lights, which outline a goal-posts. Above the crossbar is a football and a bright. “S.A.” is also part of the attractive design. DU TO IT RECOVERING.

Air P. AAV Day, who piloted the New Zealand Army team through the Union in 1919, is the manager of the Springboks, but unfortunately, owing to having contracted a severe cold, he remained at New Plymouth, and was expected to come through either to-day or to-morrow.

Air J. D. de AUUiers is assistant manager. He informed a “Standard” representative that B. du Toit, the lost Transvaal forward who broke two bones in his back in at match at Sydney, would probably be able to j. t y in two or three weeks’ time, and would probably have his first practice run at Palmerston North to-day.

Commenting that so far there had been no casualties on the New Zealand tour, Air de A r illiers said that Du Toit (forward), J. A. Broodrijk (who injured his shoulder in a match at Newcastle), and A. R. Sherriff (a Transvaal forward) would be prevented by injuries from playing in the first Test against New Zealand, while AYatt and Lawton were also doubtful lor tlie same reason. The remainder of the team were fit.

No plan of campaign, Mr de Viliiers added, had been formulated ior the week the team would spend at their training headquarters near Masterton prior to the first Test. No definite policy has been announced regarding the duration of the spells in the match against Alanawatu, and it was stated i* at this matter would be the subject of a mutual arrangement between the two team captains. It is the invariable practice to take the team out of town for a drive before each match, and this will be done to-morrow. INJURED PLAYERS REAPPEARING. M. M. Louw is at present receiving treatment for a slight chest injury, while his brother, S. C. (“Fanie”) Louw, who was injured when playing in Queensland, will be making his first New Zealand appearance at Palmerston North, where the public will have an opportunity to appreciate his ability as a destructive player. AY’att will also play his first game in New Zealand at Palmerston North. AVatt had the distinction (when playing cricket in America, of twice bowling Bradman for a “duck” in Chicago, and has played American football. His injury was due to pulling a muscle in Australia.