Cook Islands Have Many Sportsmen

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, May 22.

THE British traditional love of sport is strongly manifest at Rarotonga. The number of young footballers may possibly number two or three hundred. There are four clubs consti tuting some twelve teams. Other clubs are to be formed this season.

In cricket, there are at least 18 native teams besides two European Xls.

Tennis has a big following. Any piece of ground available serves as a tennis court, pro vided only that it is of sufficient size.

All forms of sport—football, cricket, tennis, athletic events, boxing—are controlled by the Rarotonga Sports Association European clubs are outside the Association. Everything related to sport on the island receives the support- and patronage of the Resident Commissioner.

The European Tennis Club’s grounds comprise four courts. There is a full-sized bowling green at Avarua, which is an acquisition to the island.

At different times throughout the year the Euro peans and native representatives come together in important matches at tennis and cricket (There is no European football team.) Having a greater number of players upon which to draw', and more spare time at their disposal for practice, native teams are more often successful than not against European teams. It has been observed that, in sport, the

native temperament reacts slightly differently from that of the average European. To the native, defeat has something of the sting of humiliation—he is inclined to feel ashamed. At victory, particularly over the European, he is apt to be over-proud—might we say boastful, without wishing to deny him anything of the supreme pleasure which he derives from a win The longer experienced native players, whether at cricket, tennis or football, show an admir able trait of good sportsmanship. They wish only for a game played in the spirit of fairness, friendliness and good grace if theirs is defeat.

Tennis Courts Opened.

The tennis courts at Rarotonga were opened for the season on Saturday, April 30, in the presence of a record gathering. The President, Mr. Townsend, spoke a few words to those present, and declared the courts open for play.

On the same afternoon Mr. D. Brown, Presi dent of the Bowling Club, addressed a similar gathering at the bowling grounds, which marked the opening of the club’s third year of play.

Mr. Brown intimated that there was just the chance of a bowling team, or possibly two teams, passing this way in June on their way to the Olympic games at Los Angeles.