SPRINGBOK ATHLETES.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1922, Page 4

SPRINGBOK ATHLETES.

ARRIVAL AT NEW PLYMOUTH. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. The members of the South African athletic team, Messrs. J. K. Ayres-Oosterlaak, J. W. Bukes, H. P. Kinsman, D. A. Leathern and R. Johnson, accompanied by Mr. I. Emery (manager) and Mr. A. T. Davis (president of the New Zealand Council of the Amateur Athletic Association), arrived in New Plymouth last night by the mail train, having journeyed from Hamilton. The team perform here at the sports meeting at the High School grounds tomorrow afternoon. They were met at the station by Mr. L. B. Webster (chairman) and members of the committee of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club, and were given an enthusiastic welcome to New Plymouth, afterwards being motored to the Criterion Hotel.

On arrival at the they proceeded to the balcony, where they were met by the Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr. F. E. Wilson) and tendered a civic welcome in the presence of a large crowd which had gathered in Devon Street. Among those on the balcony were Mr. Jas. McLeod (president of the New Zealand Rugby Union) and officials of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club.

The Mayor, in a brief speech, remarked that he could not let the occasion pass without giving them, on behalf of the people of New Plymouth, a very hearty welcome to this portion of New Zealand. He would not dwell on the national aspect of their visit, as that had been touched on by abler speakers than he. No one, he said, would begrudge the visitors any success they might have, nor any trophies they might take away, because all felt that amateur athletics in New Plymouth would be the gainer after their visit. He pointed out that amateur athletics, in common with other sports, had had a setback during the war, and the local club had gone out of existence. However, during the present, season a club had been formed. He was pleased they had been able to arrange for a visit from the South Africans, and he hoped as a result that amateur athletics in New Plymouth would benefit. In conclusion he hoped the visitors would enjoy their stay here, and carry away pleasant memories of this little portion of New Zealand.

Mr. L. B. Webster, chairman of the committee of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club, also welcomed the visitors. He said that the visit had been arranged with the idea of fostering amateur sport in the town, and he appealed to those present to show their interest in the club and their appreciation of the visit by attending the sports meeting on Friday and seeing the South Africans in action.

Mr. Emery returned thanks on behalf of the South Africans. Right through New Zealand, he said, they had had most remarkable receptions, but nowhere more so than at New Plymouth. They were somewhat, tired, having been travelling during the last week. They were pleased to be here, and he said that if they could do anything while they were here to make people shake, them by the hand on their departure, and say that they were good sports, and had done something to strengthen the ties that now bind the Empire, they would feel that they had done something.

The visitors were then accorded three hearty cheers, and responded with a characteristic greeting.

The visitors will practise on the High School grounds at 10 o’clock this morning.