SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETES.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 416, 27 January 1909, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETES.

v .' : ; . VV I: 1 - W .-; MAY VISIT NEW ZEALAND. ' -Mr. Stanley S. Dean, .ex-secretary.of the Graftpn Football Club, Auckland,. and treasurer of the Auckland Amateur . Athletio and Cycling "Club, returned" from South Africa by the lonic..- He informed,a Domlniok 'reporter that he intended to: make inquiries in /athletic, circles as-to what support would bo forded for a proposed visit of a team of South African'athletes. 1 . Reginald Walker, the world's champion Sprinter, was very 1 anxious to make one of such a,-team.':lle intended td visit England in-September, and would go from there to -America. . - He, would like ,t<> tike.New Zealand aud:Australia on,his..way back to Sonth.Afriia., The team feouldialso probably :include Ducker,. the long, jumper; sprinter, and jhurdler;' Venter,: the \dyclist; I)uffey,' the:sprinter; Frank Shaw, .cyclist; Stupart. hurdler and high jumper; and Hofferon, tne Marathon' ruinior, all of whom represented South Africa at ■ tho - Olympic Games. /They would liko to come to New Zealand, in December. Mr. Dean added that on his arrival at Auckland lie would place the' matter beforo tho Atibkland Centre,; and, later before,.-the. New'^Zealand: Association.: Mr: Coombcs, of the Sydney..i"Referec,'V-had been seen by Mr.' Shaw, arid had. promised to open upViiegfitiatioris on tlie'Othor side;' Gteat 'efforts had-'been made 'to induce' Walker, totake to. professionalism,.-but/Mr. Deari.,;did: not think'be/was at all-likely to do so.;;/: : Mr. Dean further stated'that'.South. African footballers were very 'keen' on getting a' visit from a Now Zealand ; Rugby team, and if it could be arranged)'he thought'a . very interesting;tour would': result. ' '"Ho believed there was every prospect .of an Asspciatioh team from this 1 couhtry "visiting Sdutlr'Africa iii the near'future;' v' . • :i