Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4 (July 1, 1937)

[section]

For The next few months the principal topic of conversation in New Zealand is going to be Rugby Football! The Springbok footballers have been going great guns in Australia and should arrive in New Zealand in tip-top condition to try conclusions with the pick of this land. It is sixteen years since a Springbok combination played in New Zealand and a new generation of players and public will give the visitors a hearty welcome.

Sixteen years! What a change has taken place at Athletic Park since that wet day of September 17, 1921. It is a day which has been set aside as a gauge for other wet days. “Reminds me of the day New Zealand played the Springboks” declares a passenger on the platform as a howling gale and torrential rain sweeps the countryside. “No, it's not as bad as that,” replies another.

Athletic Park has been improved beyond recognition since that memorable scoreless game, but it will not be too large to hold the crowd of enthusiasts. Despite the radio descriptions which will be given it is not likely that a repetition of the vile weather conditions will materially affect the attendance. A true New Zealander, living within one hundred miles of Wellington, would be everlastingly shamed had he to admit that he did not see the Springboks play against New Zealand!

Adequate accommodation will be available for fifty thousand spectators of which five thousand will be housed in the main stand. In 1921 the accommodation in the stand was limited to less than two thousand! Subsequent to that great game the bank was terraced and spectators on the side facing the stand have a wonderful uninterrupted view of the game. Eden Park, Auckland, will hold sixty thousand spectators!

The transport of the many thousands of visitors to the test matches will be in the capable hands of the Railways, and with many fine performances to its credit, the Railways will not be found wanting in carrying out its share of the task of bringing the football matches close to the public! Distance is devoured and Athletic Park is only a few hours away from Auckland when the train starts puffing by.

For the benefit of readers, the New Zealand team for the “scoreless” test of 1921 is reprinted. What a galaxy of talent.

Full-back: C. N. Kingston (Taranaki): Threequarters, S. K. Siddells (Wellington), M. F. Nicholls (Wellington), J. Steel (West Coast); Five eighths: W. R. Fea (Otago), K. Ifwersen (Auckland); Half-back: E. J. Roberts (Wellington) captain; Wingforward: E. A. Bellis (Wanganui); Forwards: W. D. Duncan (Otago), R. Fogarty (Taranaki), J. E. Moffitt (Wellington), J. Richardson (Otago), A. H. West (Taranaki), C. Fletcher (Auckland), A. L. McLean (Bay of Plenty).