LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 October 1939, Page 9

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

N.Z. TEAM RETURNS. GOOD FORM SHOWN IN MATCHES PLAYED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 24. Having played only two matches in England, the New Zealand Rugby League team has returned to New Zealand. Hopes of a successful tour of England and France were dashed by the outbreak of war after the first match against St Helens. The authorities decided against football matches because of the danger of crowds during possible air raids. Later the restrictions were lifted, and the match against Dewsbury was permitted, but the authorities decided that the tour should not continue. It promised that the team would be invited back after .the war. Unfortunately there will be a heavy loss on the tour, but nothing is yet known as to how the loss will be adjusted. Mr J. A.Redwood, co-manager, said that on the form shown in the two matches, both of which were won by New Zealand, English critics considered that there were the makings of a great team. They were greatly impressed by the full-back, Hemi, and the forwards Milliken and Jones. Rex King, the captain, said that the team made a very happy party. All had returned well. The team gave great promise on the field, and was particularly strong in the forwards. On the outbreak of war they offered their services in air raid precautions and worked with sandbags at Harrowgate, in Yorkshire, where they were quartered. They experienced one air raid alarm, and were ordered to the basement of their hotel. They finished the tour with four days sight-seeing in London. There were 18 Aucklanders and eight southerners in the team. The southerners proceed homeward tonight.