FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1930, Page 5

FOOTBALL

MAORIS ENTERTAIN.

BRITISH FOOTBALLERS

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

■WELLINGTON, July 10

. The British Rugby team were entertained by the Maori Rugby Aci-v-isory Board at a complimentary dinner, the tribes being represented by distinguished members constituting a notable gathering. The guests were received with a rousing haka. Great enthusiasm was displayed throughout the evening. The Chairman (Sir A. Ngata) in proposing the British race, said the Maoris regarded the meeting with the British team as a very notable event. New Zealand was one of the political miracles ,of the earth as it put the Native race, save with minor exceptions, on lull equality with the Pakeha. It was the Maori’s good fortune that the country came under aegis of the British Crown. Mr Baxter thanked the Maoris for their hospitality, which the team was delighted to accept. The team sang “They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Dr G. Adams proposed the Maori people stating the Maoris played the finest attacking game against the British team and gave a. splendid display of playing the game for the game’s sake and not for a win.

A Maori entertainment was given in the Town Hall when three hundred Natives in full Maori costume submitted a characteristic programme, which included a lament for Sir Maui Pomare by members of his own tribe, and also a lament for Sir Joseph Ward.

THIRD TEST MATCH

CHANGES IN NEW ZEALAND SIDE.

AUCKLAND, July 8

It is believed here that Lucas* Oliver, Steere and Hazlett are likely to be replaced for the third test, unless Lucas succeeds Oliver. Against the latter theory is the present rumour bat Minns has received a telegram to hold himself in readiness. Another Aucklander mentioned as having received good news* from the selectors is L. Knight, despite the fact that he was not among the thirty-three players who paraded for the final trial at Wellington on June 11. Aucklanders will not be- surprised to .see Lilburne back in the team, with limes a possibility, i

Harvey’s chances are favoured for lock, as Alley, like Knight, was not in fhe final trial. The best lock in New Zealand, however is considered to be Wanoa (Hawke’s Bay) and he seems the likeliest of the Maoris to be selected, unless Wednesday’s game at Wellington unearths new three-quar-ters. ,

The following will represent Excelsior seniors in their match with Stars at Victoria. Park (Grey) on Saturday: Kelly, Eager, Bannister, Freitas, Hughes, Stevenson, Gillooly, A. King, Davidson, Koch, Lowry, Jordan, Maityn, Staines, Yonng, J. King, R. King. Car leaves Newmans at 1 o’clock.

Aralntra juniors v. Rimu at Rimu on Saturday at 3 o’clock:—Hamilton, Jellie, Tainui (3), Kelly, Cook, Ivcogan, Smyth (2), Edwards, Martin, James, George, Cropper, Ackers, Havill. Players unable to make the journey are requested to communicate with the secretary immediately. Conveyance at Greyhound Hotel at 2 p.m. .