FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1927, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] AIAORIS SAIL. LONDON. January 7. .Merrily singing the Frothblowers* Anthem, and performing a farewell

liaka. twenty-six members of the -Maori team steamed out from Ostcnd amid cheers of a large crowd. Accompanying the team to Liverpool, Para to. and S. Gemmell arrive at Wellington by tile Narkunda the day alter the team reaches Auckland. .Manager Harris, interviewed, paid a tribute to the kindness and courtesy everywhere ill Britain and France. They were delighted witii the results of the tour, ’the team will receive the Prince of AVakcs’ medals from .Mr Contes after arrival. .Mr Harris said he was agreeably surprising Ijv the high standard of play in England, where they tound an abundance of lirst class players. He had no wish to make excuse for defeats beyond pointing out that wet grounds did not suit the -Maoris best form. The earlier selection of English international teams would ensure a spirit of combination and better results. Considering the short time the French had played Rugby their stand-

ard was marvellous. There will he many stats. Besson was one of the finest three-quarters he had ever seen. French schools were keenly fostering Rugby and would provide tine recruits, ‘ enhancing the standard of play. ! Barclay, who was wearing a slipper ’

owing to a poisoned toe burnt on the hard ground in the final match in Paris, said he was satisfied with the results of the tour. The toughest struggles in Britain were the first

match at Ncwnort and the last at Cardiff.