SPORTS IN FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1917, Page 5

SPORTS IN FRANCE.

AN ALL BLACK'S NOVEL POSITION.

Lieutenant E. E. Booth, the full-back of All Blacks, who went in 1905 to startle British Rugby footballers out of their lethargy, holds a novel position in France With the rank of lieutenant he ib sports organiser to the Australian forces under the Y.M.C.A. He has only been out a few months and is now in the throes of a big undertaking. This is the construction of a Stadium, which Lieutenant Booth describes as being "in a dell in the woods," a veritable natural amphitheatre with accommodation for 3000. Here sports of every kind are to be indulged in by the troops when they come out of the trenches for rest. At present interdivi.sional cricket matches are in full swing, and considering the short time Lieutenant Booth has had to set things in order the pitches are excellent. The tired troops sit on the grass banks of the Stadium, and in their enthusiasm for the game quickly forget the grim business of war, If only those guns would stop their ceaseless roar! Boxing, ton, is extremely popular amongst the Australians. Men who have never had the gloves on befor? go into the ring, and already much hidden talent has been discovered. Soon it will be the turn of football again. Already there are many requests for balls. One of the leading English manufacturers states that fully three-quarters "f the balls which are now made go to tin. *oMier overseas. They have a very m.«rt life, but vlml: el-e can \)u expect-J.-.1. wlu.ij they are kicked by iron-plated boots that weigh about 31b apiece*