OLYMPIC GAMES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 213, 3 June 1920, Page 6

OLYMPIC GAMES

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES FAREWELLED. Yesterday nfternoon tho members of the team which is to represent New Zealand at tho forthcoming Olympic Games were tendered a civic • farewell in tho Concort Chamlier, Town Hull. The team consists of Miss Violet Walrond (swimming), H. E. Wilson (hurdCes), Of. Davidson (sprinter), and D. Had(iold (sculling). Mr. Walrond is also accompanying tho team. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided, and there were on the platform tho Primo Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) Dr. A, K. Newman, M.P., Mr. A. A. Marryatt (president of 'the Amateur Athletic Association), Mr. G. S. Hill 'president of tho Wellington Swimming.Centre), Hr. Walrond, father of Miss V. Walrond, and the Hon. E. P. Lee.

Mr! Luke mentioned that it was gratifying to see that r, !ady was included in the first separate team which was to represent New Zealand at tho Olympic Game.;. He referred to the past performances of each of tho representatives. The Olympic Games were first plaved in .Greece about TOG B.C. The populations of the Grecian and Roman Empires had appreciated prowess, and tho competitors had displayed wonderful prowess. Tho last Olympic Games were held in 1912 and it was interesting to see that tho Anglo-Saxon stood highest throughout the history, of the Games. He , referred to the fact that it was* tho first lime New Zealand had been represented as a separate nation. Before NrtV Zealanders had gone with the Australians, and the team had been catkd the Australasian leam.

Mr. Mafsey, in presenting H. E. Wil son with tho New Zealand Flag, hoped that the leader of the tpam would have the opportunity of carrying the flag to victory on many occasions. He had seen the famous boat jace on the Seine, and ho had had the pleasure of seeing tho New Zealand eight win. Ho had never seen such enthusiasm as had been exhibited by the 70.000 Parisians who turned out to watch the race. Mr. Hadfield was one of the crow on that occas'on, and he had later been victorious in England, where many predictions had been made for his success in the near future, and he hoped to see theso predictions realised at. the Olympic Games. He had seen the New Zealand Army team compete at the Stadium in Paris, and they had done very weKl indeed. He had also eeen tho match between the All Blacks and a team representing the British Amy in Rugbv football. The New Zealand team had bwn victorious and had won tho King's Cup. Then Sergeant Loveday. at Bisley, had won the King's Cup. Win or lose, the team would, ho was sure, show themselves true sportsmen. (Anplauso.)

Mr. Wilson, who took the flag from the Prime Minister, said that they considered it a great honour to' represent New Zea land. Thay wanted to bring New Zea land before the notice of other countries. If tryinj would mako winners, then there were four winners on the platform. (Cheers;) Mr. A. A. Marryatt, Now Zealand representative on tho Olympic Council, presented each of the representatives and Mr. Walrond with a silver fern badge, with N.Z." engraved on it. He referred to the fact tliat it was the first time New Zealand had raised the Flag af the Game=. and he was very glad to see that a lady was amongst the team," a ladv who had equalled the record of the champion sndy swimmer at the last Games.

Mr. Chnrlos Molvin sang the New Zenland National Anthem. "God IWeud New Zenland," and heaTtv votes o£ thanks were passed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Luke, and Mr, Melvin. and three cheerfl were given for the team and for Miss Walrond. SOCIAL IN THE EVENING, In the evening a sccial farewell to the members of the team was held at Tustins Rooms, Mr. A. A. Marryntt preS1 • , . Apologies for absenco were received from the Prime Minister nnd Mr. J. 1. Luke, M.P. Good wishes were received from Wanganui, Auckland, and I'nlmerston North. A™, M'Kenzie, in proposing the toast -./I, I " evr Zealard Olympic Council," said that no better body of -ports could be got together than constitute this body He mentioned Mr. G. S. HiSl, vho r»J the front, back, and all round of Wellington swimming; Mr. W. E. D. Bishop president of Ihc New Zealand Swimming Association; A. D, Bayfield, 1). Mfnzies, A.. Davies, Bnrry liewing, mid H. M Gore, m tennis; G. W. Slade mid G, f. \r!, n ,-,? ugb y, f S otb!l11 .; E - Staples, Vr 1111 Guise, in 'Losing; and Mr. A. A, Marryntt, who was largely responsible for the fact that Now Zeaim , IS bping represented at the Guinea. Ihc toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr. M'nrryatt, in responding, said that the council had tilwn.vs had tho view of sending New Zealand an a separato liody to the Gnme3. Tho Great War proved partly the value of spovt as a national asset. lie never regretted a moment lie had given to crenting good, clean sport in the young manhood of New Zealand. Mr. Marryatt leferred to the fairly hard struggle that tho council had had to raise tho funds, but although they wen still a few pounds short, he felt sure that the amount needed would v ery soon be raised. He' particularly stressed the support received from outside centres, nnd the work of Auckland gnined special mention. Auckland had raised X7OO. ne felt that the four competitors had a. royal chance. Some peoplo said "Oh, but America has a population of eighty millions to select frcni, and England 30 millions," but he was sure that these four, the pick of New Zealand's million, would give everybody elso a great deal of trouble. They would give everybody a run for their inonev. Die team had enough of the John Bull in them to never know when they're beaten. He mentioned the support received from the New Zealand Sports Protection League, and ho detailed many names of people who had given great assistance.

Dr. A. K. Newmnn proposed tho toast of "Tho Team." IJo thought tho representatives were ideal. Tho toast was drnnk with great enthusiasm. H. E. Wilson, in responding, said 'everybody knew that they would do th'oir best. The other competitors, Davidson and Hadficld, and Mr. Walrond, on behalf of his daughter, 'briefly responded.