SAMOAN CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1933, Page 6

SAMOAN CRICKET

\ LOUD bledisloe plays. FACED ICO FIELDSMEN. APIA, April 22. The. Gioy.ernor-Uiiierai', isloe, and Lady Blecusloe wer-efeenter-tained yesterday afternoon at the idjriouß' Aveio School, which is be-auti-fnliy situated a, few miles frpjn Apia. Commodore F. Burges Watson and the officers and men of H.M.iS. Diomede also attended and the ship’s hand was given a rapturous hearing. There was . a rear of delighted applause when Lord Bledisloe and Commodore Burges . .Watson went to the wicket to display their prowess as cricketers. The game as played in Samoa would amaze, any conventional cricketer. About 103 toys wore fieldsmen and no batsmen could possibly stay in more than a few minutes without being caught, bowled or run out. ‘'Out” , wa s called against Lord -Bledisloe and the commodore almost immediately and they retired amid an uproarious demonstration.

.Avele is a Government school, with which ;Sir George Richardson’s name is indelibly associated. On arrival at the School-Their Excellencies were cordially received by the staff and scholars and a,-practical and patriotic addre-s was given by Lord, Bledisloe. The. rest of the afternoon was devoted to an entertaining exhibition of Samoan games, including wrestling, sneui'-t.h rowing and bowling tbe breadfruit. The visit, ors were charmed by the beauty and delicacy of the part-singing of a choir Of 1)0VS. A dancing display in Apia at night provided an extraordinary- spectacle. Dancing and singing were i n dnlgecl in with great spirit and irresisthle lmmoai-r Wifiis -supplied by fantastically-garbed Samoans. The conch n-ludl -sounded during tbe display was presented to Lady Bledisloe.