Westport Rivals.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1922, Page 4

Westport Rivals.

TOUR. OF WESTLAND. (Westport News). 11l the course of a report of the tour of the Westport Rivals team, the following references are made to the visit to Hokitika : On Friday, August 4th, the team left Cobden , for Hokitika, arriving at 11 a.m. and put up at Mr Dowell’s Central Hotel. Ou their arrival, they wore met by tlie President and the ■Executive of the Westland Sub-Union, who accorded them a hearty welcome. At 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the visitors were tile guests of the Executive to a joy-ride, which comprised a trip to the Rirnu dredge, over Mount Misery, and home again via Riinu and Kanieri. On their way hack to the hotel, the boys were shown over the Hokitika racecourse. On their arrival at the hotel, they were entertained at a banquet, Air F. .McGregor (President of' Westland Sub-Union) presiding. The - usual toasts were honoured. Air J. Bradley (manager of the Rival te,am), replied on behalf of the visitors. After t*ic function the hoys were accompanied to the pictures by the Executive as the guests of Air McLean (proprietor). This ended the first day’s outing in Hokitika. On Saturday morning the team was taken in hand by the citizens of Hokitika, and shown round the various places. In the afternoon, at 3 o’clock sharp, the two teams took the field in Cass Square, under the control of Referee Dowell, the game ending in a win foi Rivals by 12 points to 3, after a bright and open exhibition on both sides. The Rival hoys were very much struck by the appearance of a nurse oil the side line, and greatly appreciated the fact that there was an ambulance waiting, and also a lied reserved at the hospital in case of casualties. In the evening the boys were tlie guests of the Kiwi Club at a social and dance in the Supreme Hall. As this was evidently the opportunity the Indies were looking forward to, the hoys lost no time in making themselves at home with the fair sox. At midnight or some early hour in the morning, ended one of til*- most enjoyable nights of the tour. The last thing the hoys remembered that night was the citizens of good old Hokitika wishing them good luck and a pleasant ride.

Host Dowell was up lit 6 o’clock next morning to see that the hoys had a hot cup of tea, and to wish them a good trip. Thus an revoir ended the tour in Westland, which will long remain in the memories of those fortunate enough to participate in the tour.