ALL BLACKS BIG DRAW

Chronicle (Levin), 9 August 1949, Page 5

ALL BLACKS BIG DRAW

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter.

Tour Will Be Soutli Africa's ; Best FinanK#

Copyright)

Received Tuesday, 10.15 a.m. PRETGRIA, Aug. 8. It is estimate'd that when thp second test is p'ayed on Saturfiay at Johahnesb.urg niofe than 400,000 people wiii have seen the 'A!l B.acks in actio'n in their 17 games. This figur e exceeds ' ihe aggregate attendances for the SpringbQk to.pr of New Zealand in 1937, when 17 games weve played aiid the afctendances were given as 380,000. The present tour is the, most successful financially that South Africa has experienced. 'TVheh 'the full prog'ramme of 24 matches is' completed, ihe uding the thirdt'and foufth tests, the aggregate attenqT ances are expected to top 500,000 mark with a gross gate revehue of about £120,000. The top price'd seats fo.r the tests are £2 2s, but it is reported that some have changed hands privately at up to £20. Favourable Publicity. A party of All B^acks in a car, driven by Fred Allen hss receiyed favourable Press pubncity for stop.ping the car and assisting two women whose car had broken dowh. The women said they. signalled passing motorists in vain for half an hour, but the A 1 B.acks puhed up without even being asked. When the All Black par.tv was twitted later over th's inciden':, one remarked that the main reason for puhing up was to get a speil fr.oni Frefi Allen's driving.