TOUR OF THE WAIRARAPA FOOTBALLERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5114, 27 August 1895, Page 3

TOUR OF THE WAIRARAPA FOOTBALLERS.

1 if AN ENJOYABLE TRIP. [or ONE OK TUB KUMUER.] Monday morning, tlio 19th August, the Wairarapa representatives started on their Canterbury tour, and when the Masterton, Cartorton, and Grey town contingents were taken on board the train, heads wero counted, and it was found that only ono of the probables bad overslept himself, and therefore missed tho trip. With players and followers there were twenty-oiie all told, and a very short spaco of time elapsed j before they were all tho best of friends, and a jolly and sociable time was guaranteed. The weather, although fine when wo loft the Wair- [ nrapa, grew inoro and more breezy as wo ncared tho city, and as the afternoon approached, a south-east gale sprung up, and another real footballers' passage was promised us. To mako matters worse the s.s. Mora had more thau a full complement of passengers, and Wairarapaites had to be content with make-shifts and shake-downs. The vessel was supposed to start at three o'clock, but was delayed three hours, and at sii o'clock we left the wharf fully expecting a rough time, and calmly awaiting our fate. A rush for berths at once ensued,and the dining saloon, smoking rooms, and passages were soon invaded, In some berths, six wero stowed away, and the majority of the " bunks "—usually a squeeze for one—had to do service for two, with a pillow at each end. Tho boys commenced well, and endeavoured to keep up their spirits by singing and joking to their heart's content, but happiness was short-lived, and in an hour's time very different choruses came from the crowd, and after a night of perfect horror for the majority, the picture on their faces in the morning cannot bo described. A head wind against us made the passage monotonously slow, and after twenty hours agony Lyttclton hove insight, At 2.30 wd landed, and all rushed for a feed, only threo out of the

twenty having a bito to eat ou board I the boat. I Christchurch was reached about' four o'clock, and the team was met: at the station by the officers of the I Union, and driven to the Clarondon Hotel, where tlioy were made extrsmoly comfortable by Mr and Mrs Allen. Messrs Asquith, Mason, Garrard, and Orchard took charge of the visitors, and the Morivule and Linwood Club rooms were visited, and tho ovening passed pleasantly ; some visiting the theatre, others dances, and in many different ways. Beds were early occupied, however, and a good night's rest freshened tho men up wonderfully, and they presented a different appearance by next morning. The weather had now cleared, and Wednesday morning was beautiful. After visiting many of the sights of the city, including the Museum, Cathedral,and Exhibition Buildings, tho drag again carried us to the Railway Station, and at eleven o'clock we were sailing away towards Timam in the express train, A distance of 99 miles was traversed in four hours, and at three wo wero heartily received by a largo crowd at tho limaru station, whore wo, in our turn, greeted tho Auckland boys who wero ou their way to Dunedin. On tho journey through, great (lis. cussion took place about a suitablo war-cry for the team, and after several attempts,the Maori linguists were interviewed and one wasmanu- ' factored, something liko tho following " Heretuanga, Heretuanga, Heretuanga ra, ah all elm !" At every station we practised it, and by the time Timaruwas reached, the salutation was almost perfect. Inquisitive people wanted to know the meaning, but no one seemed to know, and as it was never repeated twice upon any account, it passed for good Maori, A trumpeter also accompanied tho team, and always seated in front of tho drag, tho blasting of the bugle, and tho musical ability of the company made all the town aware of the approach of a football team—or a menagerie, After arrival and a hearty dinner the team travelled to a football ground, and indulged in their lirst practice together, Even then several had not obtained full command of their pedal extremities, and rolled about on their legs like ships in distress. A crowd of enthusiasts wero presont, and were highly amused at the topsy-turvy antics of tho players. After tea the usual footballers concert was held, and created intense amusement among the Timaruites, Our company contained exceptionally good talent, and what with songs, step-dances, Maori hakas,stump speeches, and the music of tho accordeon, wo had our full complement of noise-makers. The musical talent in tho majority was very largely developed,' and the entertainment afforded was a variety show in itself. The Rugby Union Ball was the event of tho evening, arid the dancing enthusiasts in the toam had a very_ enjoyable time! 'During'"the evening a neat complimentary speech was made by Manager J3eard, on behalf of tho team, thanking tho Union office and ladies for tho pleasant eveningafforded the visitors. A few hours of flirting and dancing with tho Timani ladies was ended only too soon by command, and wo woro marchod away from tho scono of festivity to seek repose in sleep. At 6.30 on Thursday morning tho blast of tho trumpet awakened all and sundry, and the footballers wero called out for exercise. A brisk walk and run for a milo of so along the beach gave the men akeon appetite, and breakfast suffered in consequence. Several old Wairarapa residents camo to greet the toam, among them being Mr Kalaugher, an old Wairarapa "rep" player, These gentlemen with tho aid of the Union' ofhcials, Messrs Jonas and Macintosh, escorted tho visitors to tho principal sights in the town, among the best being the Woollen factory, where the wholo process of manufacturing was explained and witnessed, from the dyeing pcosg ji) finished cloth, The young ladies of the upper apartments proved a great attraction, and seyeral of tho impresßionablo ones found it hard to tear themselves away, Up about six Btories of a flour mill, on to the roof, was the next item on the programme, and a splondid view of the town was gained, The height was so great that tho men returned to terra firm a very different color, and it Was only with the aid of 'tho free use of olb|jies bfgUfeg th'af'tlioy piffled a respectable appearance. Thursday was another beautiful day, and Timaru presented a sum-mer-like appearance. A long drive to the football ground started soon after dinner f and'a' large crowd of 1 pedplo were already in waiting for the match,' Particulars of the game

have already appeared, suffice to say Wairarapa had the best teaitf, and should have won easily. A drawn game resulted, and Timaruites were more than satisfied with the play of their representitives. Afternoon tea was provided by Mr Moss Jonas, the tlio President of the Union, and to this gontloman the team owe a decided debt of gratitude for the kindness he displayed towards them during thoir stay in Timaru. After the match no tirao was lost, and at 5 p.m. we were again at the station in readiness to board the express. The sond-off of the crowd was truly hearty and sincere, and the enthusiasm among the people as the train left the station will long be remembered. Our fellows raado themselves extremely popular all along the line, and left hosts of newlymade friends bcliiud them. A jolly company of Canterbury footballers accompanied us as fur as Ashburton, and our tragedian being in fine form, the time flew past. Pour hours of harmony (?) and frivolity, and Christchurch was reached. Here again the platform was crowded, and wo were heartily cheered on arrival. A drag and four wero in readiness, and it was not long before all retired to rest, tired and sleepy. All Friday was taken up in viewing tbe various sights, In the morning, a practice was held in tbo North Park, and there one of the events of the tour took place—namely a handicap race, which was gallantly won by the genial skipper of the Stars. In the afternoon, a splendid drive to the Union Boating Sheds was arranged, and then to lliccarton to nccept an invitation to inspect Mr G. G. Stoad's racing stock. A profitable and instructive time was sjient, the trainers leading the horses round one by ono for our inspection, and explaining each pedigreo in turn The famous Medallion was seen at' his best, and some dozen two-yoar-olds created an impression among the horse-fanciers. Cheers wero given on departing, for Mr Stead, the trainers, and the horses, and ( home was again reached in good time.

Tbo match was all tho talk on Friday evening, and although Canterbury expected to win, they were a bit careful and not too sanguine. Doctors attended onr wounded men, and they were carefully watched, j Our full-back was in a bad state, aud although the doctor warned him not to play, he donned the jersey aud displayed his usual brilliant form. We were driven in great style to Lancaster Park, and a tromendous crowd wns present. A more impartial lot could never be heard, and our men received hearty encouragoment all through the game. In the first spell, we were clearly over-matched, and people enquired where the leputation of the Wairarapa came in, Twelve points in the first half-hour, made our supporters shake in their shoes, but tho second spell was an eye-opener, Watson gave his men instructions, and Canterbury were never in it. The Wairarapa forwards maintained possession of the ball throughout, and their passing rushes and dashing play was a treat to witness, and the spectators could hardly believe the same team was playing. Luck seemed fairly against them, however, and try as thoy would, the lino was never crossed. The game throughout, was a goodtempered one, and the rofereo, (Mr Evans), afterwards remarkod that the Wairarapa team was the best behaved lot he had ever acted for.

Our visit was now drawing short, and afew more hours in Cbristchurch and we wero at tho station, bidding good-bye to old friends and new faces. Such a crowd to givo us a send-off, several ex-Wairarapa resi- ' dents—including Messrs Wardell, Meredith, Fraser, and hosts of others —being well to the fore. Cheer after cheer was heartily exchanged as the train moved on, and all tho excitement being over, our fellows quietened down into a moody state, in expectation of more joy or otherwise on tho trip home, Although ft high wind was blowing when we left Chrislcbtirch, wo were happily disappointed in our expectations, and ail managed to obtain berths in tho Penguin for tho return journey, Everyone immediately retired, and slept peacefully till next morning, and after a fourteen hours beautiful trip, which everyono thoroughly enjoyed, we arrived in Wellington, A drive with tho Taranaki boys to Island Bay, and an inspection of the Gothic filled up the timo in the Empire City, and train was taken to tho Wairarapa yesterday afternoon, all seemingly pleased to once more arrivo at thoir destination, Tho behaviour of tho team was really excellent throughout, being highly spoken of in all directions. The Manager (Mr Charles Beard) was deservedly popular with all concerned, and he deserves the utmost credit for his endeavours to make the tour enjoyable and successful, all arrangements being carried through without a hitch of any kind.