New Zealand’s Touring Eleven

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 8

New Zealand’s Touring Eleven

A RAROTONGAN TEAM CRICKETERS VISIT PAPEETE THE SUN'S special representative the touring New Zealand Criclfct /,■ sends to-day his first letter, ii. scri*?’ 1 a match played against life on shipboard. * **

QNCE out of the Wellington harbour we all settled down to our l oa , sea voyage to San Francisco. Th first two days were very choppy, j.! some of the younger members ot team did not take to it too kind], but before we reached Rarotonga * all had our sea legs, and everyon! was happy. When meal lime came along the stewards were kept going top speed. GUESTS OF AN ARIKI At Rarotonga we were met by the Commissioner, who welcomed us os behalf of the Rarotongan people. ty e went ashore in lighters, and I think all the people of Rarotonga turned out to see us. Saturday being a haltholiday we were invited to play against the Rarotongans. The game started at 2 p.m. Before the match we were motored round the island, and then returned for lunch. We were the guests of the leading chief—his palace being decorated for the occasion. After a short rest we were taken to "the field of battle,” and without shado* of doubt I think all Rarotonga must have turned out to see the match Every road leading to the ground was a mass of natives, some in gigs, some in motors, but mostly walking, it was a great sight. The noise they made was deafening. We were shown the ground where we were to play, but unfortunately it was rough, and the wicket was not too plum, so we decided to draw stumps and shift camp to another ground not far away. This one was nearly as bad. FAST BOWLING We won the toss and the natives had first strike. We had to use our slow bowlers, but the natives were all at sea to the slow ones, so by special request from the Rarotongan captain we were asked for our fast bowlers. Well it seemed wrong to put on such bowlers as McGirr, Henderson and Cunningham, but it had to be done. The players and spectators enjoyed the fast bowling, as every ball went flying round their ears, and by the time we had finished there must have been some very sore shins. We dismissed the natives for 47—a good total on a bad wicket. With about three-quar-ters of an hour to bat we replied with about 100, mostly run outs and l.b.w.s. After the match we were given three rousing cheers by the natives. Then we were taken to a beautiful bay where all the boys enjoyed a well-earned swim, which was very much appreciated. Time ' was flying, so we motored back to the township, and there were entertained at afternoon tea. This was quite a pleasant function. Our manager and the Commissioner of Rarotonga delivered suitable addresses. Before leaving Rarotonga we presented the native cricket team with three cricket bats, in commemoration of our short stay, and all they had done for us. A VISIT TO TAHITI We were all glad to turn in for 1 good night’s rest. At 10 p.m. the ship’s whistle went for all to be on board, and half an hour later we were on our way to Tahiti, Papeete being reached after two days’ steam. Tahiti, the home of sunny seas and golden beaches, was sighted on the morning of April 4. Here many enjoyable trips were made to the various place! of interest, the most popular being t» Point Venus, from which spot Cook's scientific expedition observed the transit of Venus in 1768. Next day we were on our way to San Francisco, and the team settled down to deck games. The first day out a sport! committee was formed, and everyone joined in. The games went with s swing. We -were now beginning te feel the heat, and most of us ban donned our flannels in place of heavier clothes. We are only a few days from the Equator and everyone will be glad to get out of the heat, and get cooler weather. Only a few days to go before we reach San Francisco. Everyone seems happy at the thought of going ashore. M 18-OFF.