A Column For the “Barrackers”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 61, 3 June 1927, Page 6

A Column For the “Barrackers”

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS “Manukau”: Information noted; will be dealt with later. R.L.R.: The Australian cricket team at present touring the Malay Peninsula is not an “official” Australian side. It was organised by W. A. Oldfield, and consists of New South Wales and Victorian players. WHO IS “PERSEUS?” Taikiroa writes: “Perseus,” who is he or what is he? Why, that name after his uncalled-for doings in the Press give rise to thoughts of a Bolshevik, a Sinn Feiner, or some other such agitator, whose motives mean no good. Is he the Scarlet Pimpernel, sitting back with a perpetual grin and chuck- . ling at those endeavouring to subdue the trouble which he for no reason has caused? Or is he a will-o’-the-wisp darting here and there to cause trouble only among the peace? Who can tell! “Perseus” may have bees in his bonnet as “Fairplay” suggests, but methinks that he has stirred up a hornets’ nest about his ears. Soccer and Rugby author! ”es have literally fallen on each other’s manly bosoms and sworn eternal friendship. It is a touchingthought. Yet along comes this great, blustering fellow, with his Falstaffian wit, and upsets the football apple-cart. A plague on these fellows! S’blood I’d as lief split him to the brisket with my trusty blade—but damme, the fellow is mighty entertaining. SUPPORT ~FOR “FAIRPLAY” Chas. Bailey writes:—A word in support of “Fairplay.” Let him not worry. Even in the days of long ago when the Greeks had their games in the Parthenon there were those who threw the discus, and those more robust and courageous who went in for the chariot races. It will be ever thus, no doubt. League and Rugby for the New Zealand he-man. and let the rest have their Soccer, croquet and so on. Let “Fairplay” rest on his laurels. He had a clear-cut win over the Mountain “Perseus,” when the Laboured and brought forth his little mouse of bitterness, and further invoked thfe hoary twaddle about the “playing fields of Eton.” The fields of Eden and Carlaw and the “real” men who use them will do us. Is there any such thing as a “Canadian” or “Australian” team (the Chinamen were natives of China)? I rather think they will be found to be “Homies” masouerading under those names. Knowing and admiring the “Aussies” as I do. I cannot imagine them plaving Soccer. going. Hide-bound traditions and worn-out maxims of sport, which might possibly have had some value 50 years ago. are no longer applicable. Let the Auckland Centre of the New Zealand A.A.A. bestir itself from its long ale f > and awaken to its responsibilities. —.G K. PREBBLE.