BRITISH BOWLERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1926, Page 4

BRITISH BOWLERS.

FAREWELL .MESSAGE. AUCKLAND, Fob. 10. Compliiints have been received from time to lime of imperfect arrangements made for the British howlers during the Dominion tour. There was however, no suggestion of dissatisfaction in a farewell interview granted by the captain of the team, Mr G. "Wright, prior to embarking for Vancouver on the Aorangi to-day.

-AY e have had a wonderful time,” he said, “and have been treated splendidly from one end of New Zealand to the other. The kindness shown to the team has even gone to the extent of making our stay more strenuous than ever, but one. and all appreciate it to the full. We have come to know that the characteristics of Iwwlers in New Zealand are exactly the same as in every part of the world, and as soon as wo stepped on to a green we were immediately made at, home. This is one of the finest features of the game. The team had derived great pleasure from meeting people from England, and it has been a source of enjoyment to find that England was so elose.

“Before we leave 1 would like to thank the officers and members of the Dominion Bowling As-ooiation and of the various centres we have visited for the way they have entertained us, and also the officers of the Railway Department, who have shown us every kindness in our travelling and facilitated our travel to a great extent.

"Considering we were not at all representative of Britain, we fee! we have done well.” Mr "Wright said in viewing the lour and game in New Zealand, “Since we landed in Australia we have played seventy-one games. In Australia we won 22 games, lost 17. and drew 2, and in New Zealand wo won I I. lost 15, and drew one. However. I think that in future teams smaller in number and higher in class would be preferable. 'lbis was. of course, our first visit. but I think a party of fifty-seven is inclined to become unwieldy. We have been extremely fortunate with the weather, mul were prevented from playing on oulv one day. I lie Dunedin touiuanie'nt was a iiitle strenuous, as we always play on the sudden death prin(iple in England, and once you are beaten you are out altogether. *’ 111 referring to Dominion standards. Mr Wright saiil that New Zealand possessed howlers who were equal to England’s best, and a game between fully representative teams of each country would be loughl to the finish. They found local conditions somewhat different from their own. its theii greens were all laid in turl, and they had played here on ground sown m grass. When the grass wore off New Zealand greens they became fast and were not as true as when the “bite” was preserved. New Zealand green* were, however, excellent, .some being practically perfect. Twenty members of the team will leave Wellington by the Arawa next week, and others have already departed. Five mem hers will remain in various parts of New Zealand tor another month. Mr Wright said it was hoped to play a match at Suva, as twenty-eight players were sailing on the Aorangi.