OUR SOUTH AFRICAN VISITORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1921, Page 4

OUR SOUTH AFRICAN VISITORS.

That Taranaki, in common with other parts of the Dominion, is greatly interested in the visit of the South African footballers, was manifested by the enthusiastic welcome accorded them all along the line, and in New Plymouth last evening. No welcome could have been more spontaneous or more hearty. The fact that they are representatives of a Union of States formerly at war with the Empire, and now happily contented members of it, and representative of both races of that Union, with Dutch names predominating/ appeals to the imagination of New Zealanders. Moreover, the visitors play the same code of rugby as New Zealanders, and play it, too, in the true sporting spirit. That knowledge in itself would ensure the visitors a hearty reception anywhere in a country that prizes clean sport so greatly. The visit of the team must result in good to them, as well as to ourselves. They will see much to interest them in New Zealand, where conditions are so different from their own, and will gain an insight into our life and customs that no amount of reading could give them. New Zealand will, as a result, be much better known to South Africans, whilst we in this country will benefit by an exchange of views and ideas with the visitors, and be led to take a greater interest than we have been accustomed to in South African affairs. The visit should engender and cement friendship between the two Dominions, which really have much in common. Both are young countries, both have very great futures, both have their problems to solve, and both own a common allegiance to a Constitution the freedom and beneficence of which permits them to work out their own destinies untrammelled. In the past there has been little intercourse between the two Dominions, due largely to the distance between them. Let us hope that the present visit of the Springboks will bring about a desired change, and that we will in future see more of their people, and they of ours. It will surely prove to the advantage of both. As for to-morrow’s trial of strength, we can only iterate the sentiment expressed by the Mayor last evening—let the better team win. The winning of the match is really of less consequence than the way in which it is played, and we feel sure both South Africa and Taranaki will uphold the traditions of the good old game whilst doing their very best to secure victory.