N.Z. BADMINTON TEAM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1939, Page 7

N.Z. BADMINTON TEAM

MATCHES IN TASMANIA. A MOTOR ACCIDENT. Private advice received in Masterton states that after a very rough trip across the Tasman, the New Zealand Badminton Test team which left Wellington on July 26, arrived at Sydney on the following Monday. The team left the same night for Melbourne, travelling all night by train. On arrival in Melbourne a civic reception was tendered the visitors by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, which was somewhat overwhelming. The team later left by steamer for Burnie, a pretty little town of 7.000 inhabitants situate on the north-west coast of Tasmania, where they arrived at 4.30 the following morning. The team played its first match without losing a game. The next port of call was Launceston. Tasmania, where after a road journey ol 100 miles the team played the local combination and lost by 2 matches tc. 6. The reason for the unfortunate showing was that after being accustomed to a “79” speed shuttle, the visitors used a super-speed “90," which confused and caused disappointment. The New Zealand champion, P. Hawksworth, lost his singles and combiner doubles matches. The team entrained for Hobart next day. and arrived latei that night. The following morningafter a civic reception given by the Mayor of Hobart, the visitors were taken on a sight-seeing tour. Using their accustomed shuttle the New Zealanders showed better form ti narrowly beat a strong Hobart team by 9 rubbers to 7. Mr and Mrs Hawks worth won all their matches. Next morning the team went on a marvellous sight-seeing drive around the heights of Hobart. Climbing a small mountain for the fine panorama of the city, New Zealand nearly lost its champions. The road was very slippery owing toMhe snow and when descending the mountain, the car performed a terrific skid and crashed into another on a corner, damaging the car considerably. Mr Hawksworth cut his head slightly as a result. Arriving subsequently at Kermadec. the centre of Tasmania’s apple lands, the team rested and went on to Huonville for afternoon tea. The whole town turned out to welcome the visitors. Leaving Hobart next day by car, the team werei driven to Launceston by Cecil Craske (who played and lost to Phil Hawksworth in Masterton last year). The team, who were somewhat tired with travelling, were to leave by a huge Douglas airliner for Melbourne to play : Victoria that night. Later advice received stated that ow- I ing to-an unfortunate disability Hawks- - worth would not be participating in the : Test matches. ''