CHINESE UNIVERSITY SOCCER TEAM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2765, 31 July 1924, Page 3

CHINESE UNIVERSITY SOCCER TEAM.

VISIT TO FOXTON.

The Chinese Universities Soccer team accompanied by the Manager, Mr Dorn, Mr Mayer, president of the N.Z. Soccer Association and several Palmerston N. enthusiasts visited Foxton on Tuesday afternoon and spent a most enjoyable and interesting time. The outing was arranged bv Mr T. Winstanley, president of the Manawatu Soccer Association and the local Chinese residents extended hospitality to the team, prominent residents and officials by entertaining them at a banquet at Whyte’s Hotel in the evening. The arrival of the team in Foxton was timed for 2.30 p.m. but owing to delay in fulfilling a Palmerston N. engagement the party arrived about an hour behind schedule time. A number of motor cars containing local Chinese, soccer officials, and townspeople, proceeded to Sorenson’s comer, to meet the visitors and escort them to the town. When the ears containing the visitors arrived'at Himat angi, they were welcomed and the prpceffion of ears lost no time in making their way to Foxton. In front of the State school a large number of people had assembled and the elder scholars were lined up as a. guard of honour at the entrance. In the meantime another concourse of people had assembled in front of the Council Chambers where a civic reception was awaiting the visitors. It was decided in order to save time to visit the school, first but one car containing several of the team bad poceeded on. AT THE SCHOOL. The chairman of the school committee, accompanied by Mr Dom, and the visitors, passed through the double ranks of scholars, the team greeting the children with smiles and salutations. Just prior to entering the building two senior girls with baskets of dainty button-holes, presented each of the visitors with floral tokens which were pinned with nervous fingers cm, the blazers of the visitors whose smiling faces beamed appreciation of this graceful tribute. The children were assembled in the spacious corridors in groups and the-party were received'by Mr Davidson, acting-head-master. All the available space with - in the entrance of the building was soon filled. The visitors were greatly interested in the scholars and were struck with the banners and decorations which adorned the walls. Mr Homblow extended a welcome to the visitors in an appropriate speech followed by rousing cheers by the scholars. When Mr Dom rose to respond, he received a. great ovation by the kiddies. In thanking the chairman and school for its welcome to the visitors, he said this was the first primary school visited in this Dominion, although they had previously visited the Masterton High School. When he looked around him his mind went back to his school days and recalled pleasant memories. He referred to their school work and the fear of examinations. He drew a comparison between our system of education and the dreary years of study imposed oil the Chinese scholars. The value of education was briefly touched upon. He said the visitors were all students and although they had come to this country to display their prowess on the football held they were also concerned in matters of greater moment. They were sportsmen and gentlemen both on and off the field of play and the'visit to New Zealand would be beneficial to both countries. He was sorry that time did not permit a closer examination of the school and the methods of teaching. On behalf of the visitors he again sincerely thanked them for the splendid reception and the children could rest assured that their visit to Woxtou would not be forgotten. Cheers again resounded through the building at the conclusion of Mr Dorn’s speech. The children then sang “Cod Defend New Zealand,” to the evident delight of the visitors. '

jVLr Davidson, in a brief speech replied to Mr Dom.

The visitors then showed the children that they could indulge in hearty British cheers, followed by salutations and other greetings to the little ones, as they left the building. CIVIC RECEPTION. The party then adjourned. to the Council Chambers and joined the other members of the team. Air J. Chry,stall (.Mayor) extended, a welcome to the visitors and expressed the hope that the team would have a most enjoyable time and successful tour in tins Dominion. Or. A. N. Smith also welcomed the visitors. Mr Dom, manager of the team, who had been at the school during the lirst part of the reception, apo logised for being late, but said that he had been at a more important function—that of addressing our future citizens. He said this teum was the hrst University team to leave the Orient and .New Zea land had the honour of being part ly responsible for its tour’. He considered the East should know more of the West and the West more of the East. These boys were not only here to play soccer, but they were ah educationalists and were learning and obtaining knowledge on the industries, educational system, etc. of'.New Zealand, which they would carry bacn with them to China. He expressed the hope that those present would see the boys play as

they were all good sports and played a scientific game. Moreover they were gentlemen (applause). Mr A. Ting (captain) returned

thanks and said that it was a great pleasure to visit New Zealand. The people of New Zealand would be able to see something of the Chinese through this tour and lie hoped it 'Vould make for the better understanding between the two countries. Mr Wong Tin Sik endorsed the captain’s remarks and called, on the team to give their war cry which was given in a very enthusiastic manner. • VTSTT TO THE FLAXM7LL. The next visit the team made v ■ - to Messrs Ross. Rough’s flaxmill, where the team was conducted over the works by Mr D. Ogilvy. Croat interest was evinced in the mechanical methods of preparing the flax. Several members were permitted to “feed” the stripper. MR. R A IKE’S POULTRY FARM. The party was then motored out to Mr Rnike’s poultry farm at Oroua Downs and were shown over this up-to-date farm. The methods of hatching, feeding, egg-packing, etc. were carefully explained. What took the fancy of some of the team during the inspection was the bee-hives and fortunately the occupants were in a somnolent mood. An adjournment was then made to Mr Raikes’ lesidence, where Mrs Raikes acted as a genial and hospitable hostess and afternoon tea was served. The hostess asked one of the visitors whether they played Mn Jong and immediately a group of four took possesion of the “pieces” and played a couple of games, their quick manipulation displaying expert knowledge of this Chinese pastime. On behalf of the visitors, Mr Winstanley thanked the host and hostess and all joined in the singing of “For they are Jolly flood Fellows.” Mr Raikes said the visit had been a pleasure and he was delighted to have tlicm.there. ENTERTAINED AT DINNER. At fi p.m. the visitors and local citi/.'iis were entertained at dinner at "Whyte's Hotel by the local Chinese residents. Prior to the commencement the R. v. W. 11. Walton welcomed the visitors on behalf of the churches. Mr Winstanley proposed the toast of the visitors and referred to the fine way in which the visitors nlaved soccer and played the game. II: referred to the fine spirit engendered by inter-country games and • aid lie was of opinion that in the near future games would be played md for provincial nips bul for a world cup, when one country would meet another on the same plavdig field. All race barriers would tints be broken down and it would la for the uniting of the people of the world. Mr A. N. Smith, president of the local Soccer Club, also welcomed the team. He said that this visit of the Chinese Universities’ soccer (earn was going to stimulate soccer locally and lie referred to the generous donation of a cap for competition by the Palmerston North Chinese. He also expressed keen appreciation of the way in which the local Chinese had laid themselves out to entertain the visitors. Dir Mayer, chairman of the N.Z. Football Association, thanked I lie Foxton residents and local Chinese for the manner in which the visitors had been received. He said that the visiting team would he found to be sports and played the game for the game only. He said the game as played by the visitors was far more scientific than at present played by New Zealanders. He also spoke of the benefits to be derived from the tour, both by the Chinese and New Zealanders. It was very evident.that the people of New Zealand quite approved of the initiative of bis association in bringing the Chinese team to New Zealand by the way in which they had received them. This was going to be a big uplift to sorccr and be assured his listeners that once his association was financially sound they would spend more time iu assisting the different clubs throughout. New Zealand. Mr Dom responded to the toast and thanked those present for the hearty manner in which it was

drunk. lie said the team was not only here to play’ soccer, but to learn more about, the West. As regarded soccer, the present team was practically the pioneer team in China. It was hoped by this visit, that the members of the team would

be aide, when they got back, to help advance industries, etc,, by their insight into such industries durng the tour. He said physique was against the Chinese in regard to football and that tennis was the national game, although soccer was obtaiing a good hold. The team represented some of' the cream of Universities in Ciliua to-day with regard to soccer. He hoped this tour would create better feeliugs between the two countries, Mr Wong also returned thanks and said their visit to Foxton had been an eye-opener. The Jlax industry and poultry farming had been particularly interesting and far ahead of the C hi esc methods. Flax preparing was a big industry in China yet the work was only done with wooden tools and manual labour. He thanked Foxton residents for their warm reception and referred to the kindnesses bestowed on them wherever they had gone in New Zealand. ill- J. K. Hornblow proposed the (oast of the local Chinese. In doing so he said that whenever an appeal was made in cases of distress or for any' good cause, the local Chinese had always given generously aud ungrudgingly. 1 11 connection with appeals for assistance each year by ded. He also referred to them liberal and unsolicited financial donations to the district hospital. They were

industrious and law-abidng citizens and their hospitality on the present occasion was characteristic of their nature (applause). Mr \Y. E. Barber also spoke in eulogistic terms of the local Chinese and said he had always found !lir- local Chinese law-abiding, peace loving and courteous. Mr Leon responded on behalf of Mr Gee Narm, in Chinese, Mr Wong interpreting. He said that the Chinese did not. want praise for their charity.* When a man was siek he needed someone to look after him. It was only right that they should help in eases of distress. He was very pleased to be present with the an miters of the team that night. The function terminated with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the visitors.