ENTERTAINED BY COUNTRYMEN

A LARGE GATHERING The Chinese of Taranaki entertained at the Golden Minim last evening the members, of the Chinese University soccer team, and a large number of the public, mainly business, professional and sporting people. Over 300 invitations were issued, and all seem to have responded. Among those present were a number of ladies. Mr. E. Morrissey presided in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr. L. A. Bone), from whom an apology was received. The interior of tlie building had been most tastefully decorated, and the Chinese proved themselves excellent hosts. The catering 3nd the whole of the proceedings were in accordance with European customs. A fine orchestra had been engaged, which played lively and attractive music between the speeches, while songs were contributed by Messrs. Moss and Hoddle. The "Deputy-Mayor said, he was pleased to see such a large gathering, and indicated the purpose for which the function was held. Mr. Adams, president of the Tafanaki Soccer Association! thanked thepeople of Taranaki for the reception given the visiting team, including the Chinese residents. Chi the previous day they had thought that they wero in for a bad time, but all had turned out well. They had looked forward lor some considerable time for a o- a me with the Chinese students. The selectors of the Taranaki team had been subjected to some criticism on account, of the team put in the field, but the iuct that a draw had been secured against such a strong combination as the students reflected great credit on soccer in the province. Soccer had formerly been in a strong position in Taranaki. but they had lost many men in the war, and when a fresh start was made they had to ask the Rugby in ion for assistance, which was readily given in every possible way 0n behalf of the soccer players he wished to thank the Rugby footballers for the assistance it had given them, and to all clean sport. Mr. Wong Hee, who spoke through an interpreter, said that he was not learned and was incapable of making a speech in .English, but he wished to welcome the Chinese team to Taranaki In the past China had been looked upon as the sick man of the Kast but in the tour of the university team he saw much that gave him hope and encouragement. China was now adopting some of the Western ideas and standards. its young men were taking up sport, and tlTey had their annual sports gatherings just as they did in other countries. It had now taken soccer, and had advanced so far tliat an international tour had been possible. Mr. C. J. Pain (interpreted) said he had pleasure in welcoming all to the function He was ->ln c[ to meet them so!;bin K Western ideas and was advancing m many respects. "No one" he said --would now dare to call her the sick man of the Kast/' Mr jlorri.sse.v exhibited the two cups winch n-eri- to be presented by the Chinese ol iaranaki. one to the Chinese ton ring team for competition in China and the other to the Taranaki Association ior competition in Taranaki Mr Aloriissey remarked that they were lieantihi cups, and said he hoped the games played for them would be wholesome and pure. (Applause.) The cups were presented by Mrs -Morrissey. Mr. Dome, manager for the Chinese team said he wa-s pleased to receive on behalf of his team, the handsome cup. All over the world the Chinese were noted for their honesty, fair play and generosity. When the "team came to New Zealand they greatly desired to meet their brother Chinese* who could not do enough for them and wanted all their time. He was sorry that more time could not be given 'to the Chinese, but they were under obligations to the New Zealand Council and the cities in which they were playing On the previous day, when they went to the mountain, they were told that the Chinese of Manaia wished them to stop at Mr. Chang's nlace—just for a cup of tea. When they arrived it was found that a big dinner had been prepared. That was the Chinese way. They promised a little thing and always did something big. (Applause.) The cups were unexpected. In earlier times the Chinese of the scholastic type did not believe in physical exercises and that was the reason that sport had not taken hold sooner in China; but Westerners had brought new ideas, and now spprt and education went hand in hand. The cup would help to foster sport in China. "It is generally understood," said the speaker, '"that soccer started in Scotland, but according to the World's News football was introduced into China many years ago. From there it was introduced to Japan, and then spread over the world." Football was being played in China many years before Scotland was known to exist. In thanking Mrs. Morrissey again, Mr. Dome said that the first time the cup is won in China a picture of the winning team will be sent to the citizens of Hawera. Mr. Adams, in returning thanks for all followers of the code in Taranald, said that 20 years aj>o, when the game was started in this province, Mr. Julian, of New PJymouth, presented a cup which had inspired many a hardfought game. It spoke well" for their Chinese friends that they should have seen ht to make a similar gift. Referring to the age of soccer as a game, Mr. Adams said that 300 years ago an Act was passed in England declaring soccer an illegal game. That Act had never been repealed, but the authorities winked at it Mr. Wong said'he wanted to thank his countrymen for giving them an opportunity to meet so many of their friends. The function was, he thought, better than the dinner. In the lattercase they were chiefly occupied with eating, but in the former they could yarn as much as they pleased. He' wanted to co-operate with Mr. Dome in. saying that China was the fatherland of soccer. It had once been used there as a means for choosing husbands for beautiful girls. A lady would throw a ball from a' balcony among her suitors below, and the one who raught the ball got the lady. Of course the lady was always beautiful, and the right man always got the ball. (Laughter.) Unfortunately, this custom had died out. Mr. Wong then addressedhis own countrymen in Chinese. The Chinese captain also spoke a few words. The Chinese residents were .sorry because the visitors had not Avon the match, but the result was as he had predicted and lie was satisfied. They hoped the visit would improve the relations between the two countries. Captain Nieholls said they had all learned something that day", and put in a word for the older olayers, who should not, he thought, "be" expected to give, way to the younger men.. Mr. Adams thanked the people who had lent cars for the trip to the mountain, and all who h]ad assisted ifa. making the gate such a success. The chairman, on behalf of the guests, thanked the Chinese residents, and wished the Chinese team every sue! cess. He also thanked the' orchestra, which had agreed to play on very short notice. The gathering terminated with God Save the King and Auld Lang Syne. Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 August 1924, Page 10