SPRINGBOKS RELAX

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 214, 10 August 1937, Page 10

SPRINGBOKS RELAX

ARRIVAL AT MASTERTON. LIMELIGHT NOT DESIRED. Per Press Association. MASTERTON;, Aug. 9. Looking a trifle jaded as a result of their strenuous tour, the Springboks arrived in Masterton this afternoon front Wellington and they will remain there until Thursday for training in preparation for the lirst test at Wellington next Saturday. 'The party were met and welcomed by the Mayor (Mr T. Jordan), Mr W. Henry Booth (patron of the Wairarapa Rugby Union), Mr A. G. Corskie (president), Mr G. H. Perry (former president), Mr E. McKenzie (secretary and a member of the New Zealand Selection Committee), Mr G. D. Wilson (chairman of the management committee), Mr J. C. D. Mackley (a member of the committee) and Mr E. Roach (Wairarapa’s senior selector). After lunch at their hotel, the Springboks divided up into parties and were taken shooting, golfing or on a visit to a sawmill at Miki Mild. Transport was provided by members of the Young Farmers’ Club. The visitors appeared well to enjoy _ the relaxation provided ’by the outings, and the members of the shooting party, which included D. Craven, vice-captain, came home with tangible results of their afternoon’s sport. This evening some of the players were’ entertained at the theatre, while others enjoyed billards at the Soldiers’ Club.

“While the players greatly appreciate the hospitality of the Masterton people and would like to meet everyone,” Mr J. Prendeville (president of the Wellington Rugby Union, who is staying with the team) said, “it must be remembered that they are here to train and naturally want to have as much time as they can to themselves.” The players certainly do not appear to seek the limelight and after dinner to-night most of them assembled in the private sitting-room keeping very much to themselves.

To-morrow morning the Springboks will visit the properties of Mr W. Howard Booth, Middle Run, and Sir William Perry, Penrose. In the afternoon they will train at Memorial Park at 2.30 o’clock. No restriction will be placed on admittance to the park, though naturally the players want the field kept as clear as possible. The injured members of the team are stated to be making splendid progress. Football is the primary concern of these Springboks and entertainments appear to be a secondary consideration. Their only public appearance at night while in Masterton, will be at the Masterton Football Club’s dance in the Municipal Hall on Wednesday night. They have regretfully declined to accept an invitation to attend another dance to-morrow night.