“Soka” Is Now The

Game In Niue

Prom a Special Correspondent

Niue, Jan. 31.

rnHE London Missionary Society has in- X troduced Soccer to the Island of Niue. The lads of the Boy’s Brigade have taken to the game in a big way, and, although essentially a cool weather sport, the keenness is so great that the boys play even in December and January, when the heat is intense.

One could hardly say that the rules of the game are strictly adhered to.

Despite this fact, the teams after one season are showing considerable ability, and in a year or two will provide strong opposition to teams from visiting war ships. The crowd too, is becoming “Soka”-minded and a neat piece of head ing or a hefty kick downfield brings its applause from the appropriate section of the crowd.

One habit which is dying rather hard, is the tendency of the teams playing to give themselves a hearty clap whenever one of their side scores a goal. They vent their joy on such occasions with a series of “Niuean Yells.”

The Mission hopes that through the agency of this sport, so suitable to Niue’s rocky terrain, will come the means of teaching the youth of the island the elements of sportsmanship.

This winter, organised matches will be played between 10 of the villages for a shield made and presented by two Ministry of Works officials who are taking an interest in the games.

Arrangements are now under way to introduce basketball as a recreation for the girls of the island.