DUTCH SHIPS CAN TAKE TEAM TO SOUTH AFRICA

Chronicle (Levin), 26 June 1947, Page 6

DUTCH SHIPS CAN TAKE TEAM TO SOUTH AFRICA

i -Press Association

■Bv . Telearavh -

AUCKLAND, June 25. A method by which an All Black Rugby team could be transported to and from Soutli Africa next year, was reported to a mee'ting of the Auckland Rugby Union tonight hy the chairman, Mr. G. Orrell, who said ,an Auckland shipping office had assured him the passage could be made both ways by steamers of a Dutch line whicli sailed from Australian ports to Soutii Africa by way of either Batavia or Singapore. The service was fortniglitly or monthly accofding to v%ichi..roii1te .was taken. One p.hip loavos from tBydney ancl calls

at Batavia en route to Capetown. The other leaves from Fremantle and calie at. Singapore en route to Durban. The ships availablo were, he understood, of 14,000 tons. He also understood the owners of the line would willingly ma^q training space available for the players and special equipment snch as scrummaging machines would be ihstalled. ' ' By one route the -voyage takes 2 L • days/ ' sai'd, Mr. Orrell. "By the other the time taken is 23 days. The routes are both round about but I am assured there wmuld be no difficulty in getting the players to South Africa or in bringing tliem back. It may be the only way to get them there." The president of the union, Mr. F. E. Sutherland, who is a member of the couaeil of the . New Zealand Rugby Union, has been instrueted to bring Mr. Orrell 's information to the notice of tlie cduneil when it meets on Friday to decide upon wliether or not to proceed .with the tour. . '