THE CHINA MAIL, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1955.
WARNING TO HUNGARIAN FOOTBALL STARS
SOCIALIST ATHLETES
MUST NOT INDULGE IN BLACK MARKET DEALS
By
RITCHIE MCEWEN
Budapest,
The Hungarian Government is preparing to step in and clip the fine feathers of Hungary's football elite if star players don't "take the hint" and mend their ways. It is not for nothing, I discover, that the top thirty players are known to the fans as "Millionaires' Row."
Spoil, overpaid, and overprivileged, they live on a scalo achieved only by the "top brass" in the Government, a few key civil servants, star performers in opera and the ballet, and a handful of national igures in other branches of sport.
way. And they did.
STAGGERING PROPORTION
Warning No. 1 Cate lust snowugling profession in 14 month when Ferenc Puskas, the idal of every Hungarian setical- boy, signed a "fult confesssian" for publication in Nep Sport', . the leading sporting newspaper. admitting that:
(a) He drunk too much. (b) Tie her too mueto
(e) He was overbeuring and
inconsiderale Gundry.
13
'I'ha
aljeet "conferalon" ended with fulsome Bromises to be "a atent buy future."
112
In those days young Gustav WBY the club's atr centre- forward und was trained by none other
that great Than Begluning with a few pairs | veteran of English soccer, Jimmy of Nylons and a lipstick for the Hogan, minta, the "soccer racket" has Rreating the old days as we now reached staggering propor.
chatted in his luxurious office at tions,
the Ministry of Sport in Buda- A few weeks after the Hun-pest, Gustav Sebes told me that Harian foolbati loam returned it was Professor Arthur Yolland from the World Cup Games in (in those days a young scholar Switzerlatki, the Government from Hoylake) who reulty was forced to reduce the prices taught the Hungarians to play of Hungarinas Nylon (inde in | football and organised their first Hungary from imported thread club 58 years ago From the USA) from 94/- to a
three
guineas a pair be Today, the octogenarian lives exus Hungarian women Were
in quiet retirement In a Buda, Waming No. 2 appeared buying America Nylons at £25 pest suburų on a tiny Glover- week In the forth of * Jenrfing a itozen on the "five market”.... ment pension after sine forty article in the powerful Govern by courtesy of the Hungarian | years of service as a Professor tent pofitiend
of English at the Budapest Un- 150WNJ>a pot", football players! Magyar Nemzet: "It is not fair
varsity. play
sportsmanlike,"
Meanwhile, 55, Columbus *) Indulge | Avenue is the Budapest address of the "Little Ox", better known
as the Just เย mentioned Major Ferenc Puskas, Captain of the Hungarian fool ball terms and "Confessor-in- Chief".
"UNSPORTSMANLIKE"
The pa
Just
In Black Market activities with such goods as British textiles, Swedish shoes, Nylon under. bhaders. Swiss Crocodile skin
wenr
watches
Brices."
The article poteltudes "dozset
Bozsik, one of th country's ist popular footballers bua promised. By the matus of all athletes, to behave in future in a manner worthy of Socialist athletes.**
Nevertheless, in spate of these warnings, LE 15. In fact the
TRUPO
Set well back from the road in its own large garden, the Juxurious {Puskus home you could Himost
call it a skrience"--CONT grateful Gov- ernment £12,000!
רן **
disease known
When visited him the oljer day. I found the "Father of Hungarian Footbull" in bed.
"I suffer," he said, "from a tiresomes
as St. Vitus heart, and six weeks ago I suffered u collapse. I shall have to take it easy for a time, and that's why you see me i bod."
"COME ON A BIT"
'In four years British soccer has lost nearly five million fans--representing nearly £500,000 gate money... Charlton Athletic, tipped for the Cup and League “double”, draw an average crowd of 23,000. Their ground holds 80,000, On one Saturday last January snow, ice and fog wiped out 41 of the 62 League games in Britain and cost clubs £30,000.
Mud-Bath Soccer
Isn't
Going To Help Draw
In Cash Customers
By ERIC NICHOLLS
Stepping boldly into the soccer limelight with an answer to the alarming loss of Football League cash customers comes Bert Johnson. Once a star Charlton half-back, Johnson is now master tactician in the managerial chair at Charlton's "nursery" club, Bexleyheath and Welling. And the Johnson formula? Split the season in two. Take a six-week break from the beginning of January until mid-February. Play on after the normal ending in May, completing fixtures on Saturday evenings.
But it is not only the sagging, tions? That remains to be seen. winter "gales"
If "gates" continue to fail at which prompt Previously the these revolutionary suggestions,
powers-that-be (the present alarming rate, they have been loath to act on this must do something. They
ald sort of advice.
-(London Express Servies)
une
10
un
1:2
designed groundsmen and players. "Pitches get churned January."
explains Bert "It Lakes
weeks to get them in shape
again. And 21 thuse knocks. and muscle trouble which players suffer in heavy Bing, would have a good chance of recovering.
"Instead of the luds going stale, as they sometimes do after the half-way mark, and playing half-heartedly
because They
baven't
Ume to get over knocks, they would come back fresh for the second session
A NEW PUBLIC
"And there's another thing." says Bert warming to the sub- Jeet. "Saturday evening matches in early suminer would attract en entirely new public. Shop- keepers for instance, can't watch football in the afternoon. And "I remember so weil the early think of ]! the people who and days, when Hungarian football lounge around the local parks Qie WIN att i Use Kindergarten over the week-end. With nothing
But," stage. 25
he chuckled, better to do, they would be glad "they've come 01 TL bit since to watch football." then, haven't they?"
The interior decorallon the furnishing---ull In modern style-cost "about much", so Mrs Puskas told me tobiasne for The national when I went to their home for
dinner the other evenitig.
Hungarian Governament which
football seandal,
Fearing that their star players might turn truster and devide to KU# on the other side of thar f
Iron Curtain when on tour, the players were given i Lact! understanding that my thing they cared to bring in with their personal luggage would not be controlled by the Customs.
In other words They were given full diplomatic mummity, and curte blanches to enter the
St. John Ambulance
Orders
Orders issued by Mr Fung Plug-fan, CSLJ.. Commissioner of St John Ambulance Brigade, Hongkong District, Order No. 7/55. Dated February 17, 1950.
Ambulance Duties →→ Hangkong.— 20 2.55-20 2 35, Wunchial "A" Amb. DIY 27.2 55-33 83, Want "" Anib. DW, February 1035. ManahtER Na Div March 1955 Central Neg. DIV.
Shomulpo
Amb.
NO SPARTAN AFFAIR
Though
(1), the 81-year-old veteran from Cheshire does not show his age and, even in bed, showed more vitality and vigour than many a younger mon.
In view of the famous "con- ession", I was expecting dinner to be a Spartan affair, but not
blt
Chicken soup" of it. meal in
followed itself.
by e Papriku Chicken, a traditional Hungarian dish. with noodles and rice, and to wind up with, TWO glimt sweet courses, con
Ke of sisting mostly
ercam, chocolate and furge helpings of whipped cream!
When I ackled "Feri" about his "confession" he couls! ollly that he doesn't smoke. report never eats breakfast and only has lunch when due to turn out for a strenuous bout of train- ing.
"bad
never
As for "drinking" and nunners", Major Puskas never takes "shorts" (except possibly when we have guests) even drinks his wing "neat" and, as far as I was concerned, was the essence of good mun- ners all the time.
that Iran
Which seems to prove "confessions" behind the Curtain are still "confessions" -oven when it comes to foot-
Ambulance Dulles Kowlbet.— 21 2 85-27.2 55. DIV. 26.2.55-4.3 30. Kowloon Amt. ballers. Div. Febnmry 1955: Bhomehulpo Nit. Div March 1935: Waterloo Neg. Dw
Penetration Squad Duties,-20,1.55. Dr Wei Cheuk-uhonx. Dentist Lig Shu-feng C/5.0, Tàm Stu-chum & Chung Sing Nag. Div 27.2.53, Dr
HARD-WORKING CZAR
Gustav Sebes, Hungary's dap-
Keeping the "younger genera- in reasonable training during the off-season and curb- ing the bumptious and arrogant behaviour of some of the star players In public is something of a major headache In Hungary, and occupies almost as much of Gustav Sebes time as working future plans and new Systems of play for the national
oul
Leum
With a twinkle in his eye, the Vice-Minister of Sport told me that he found the best method of keeping his
charges under "reasonable control" was to in-
wives, terview their
mathera and sweethearts from time to
me, and enlist their act.
BEST MANAGERS
"Once they are convinced,” he said, "the womenfolk are the best managors' you could wish for, and woe betide the player who goes against their wishes!"
Soccer more than a sport in Hungary: It is the national pas- time, and one out of every 18 inhabitants now fills up his or her weekly "coupon."
By Incorporating games from per, tasting soccer Czar all over the world, the Hur- (with the imposing title of garian punter can play the Poola Tsoung Ying-kay. Dentist Li Ta Vice-Minister of Sport) tells me practically every week through-
D/s Ki Man-han &
out the year, and prizes are sub- second and final volume of his stantial, "History of Hungarian Foot-
Sing Nag. Div.
that he has just completed the
Orderly, Duties For Mainland Area Iqt-17.2,56, Kowloon Amb. Div.; ball," which has been occupying In return
10.2.56. Shamakutpro Amb. DW all his spare
19.2.05, Tsimshats! Amb.
Div.
*
The first volume of the "His- £15,000. Bory," which intended as a
moments for the i stake for
coupon, the Hungarian addict may
win
for a two-shilling "Two attempts" Pools much as
20.7.55, KYMCA Amb. Div 21.2.69. past year. Waterloo Nog. Div. 22.2.30, Kong Wah Amb. Div.: 23.2.55, Kong Wah Amb. Div.
בד
this volume:
now
SU
text book and "soccer bible” for The Pools are State-run, and Race Dulles.-19.2.03. At Race Hungarian
trainers only 40 per cent of the total stake managers. Courne, KCOD Amb. Div. At Head and players, is due out in April, money is returned in winnings. quarters, Wanchat “A Amb. Day. 1.3.55, At Race Course. Wanchal "A" and will be published in three. Ten percent goes in administra- Amb. DIV.: At Headquarters. KCOB possibly four languages, includ-tion couls, and 50 per cent is in- AMD. UN.; 12.3.59, At Race Course,
ing English.
vested in "capital equipment”. DW; At Head- 8th Nam Amb. quarters, Chaukhwan Amb. Dlv.
sporting arenas, playing English football will gure nekds, sports equipment, and the prominently Football Duties-10.2.85, 3.4 p.m. promed Sebes, what his organisation of sporting events. Boundary St. Oround: Mong Kok Amb. Div.: 10.2.05.4 p.m. Club tory of football anywhere would
SERIOUS BUSINESS Ground: Wanchan "A" & "B" Amb: be complete without a chapter DIVE: 20.2.54. p.m.. Club Ground: or two on the country,
which The Hungarian punter takes Western Diat. & Kenedy Town Amb, Dival.
gave us this great exhilarating his Poole seriously. So seriously game?"
that the Pools authorities had to Atreat Bleepers Shelter bociety Dulles-shamshutpo, — 17.2.45-19.2.55, The second volume to be give up, including British games a year ago because of complaints Waterlo Neg. Div. 21.2.89-36.3.55, published sometime this cum-from ungry clients who had to
is devoted entirely to mner, Atreet Sleepers _Shelter_Society Hungary's painstaking prepara-
post their
KYMCA N#g,
There are,
course, numerous problems and snags to be ironed out before such a plan couldė operate. Bert realises this.
TUDOR
LINE......QUARE TIMES.
MARINER'S LOG
THESE
'NATIONAL' HOPES ARE NOT FAILURES
Says RICHARD BAERLEIN
The failure of the Grand National's early market leaders in their most recent races may appear to give the big 'chase a more open appearance.
Tudor Line, Quare Times and Mariner's Log have all failed to reach the first three since the weights appeared.
But they have all been beaten for reasons which have little to do with their Aintree chances. Time and again It has been proved that form on park courses
can be totally misleading when it comes to the Grand National, where first thoughts usually prove best.
وا
Remember
Early Mist two forced his way to the front by a When would the Cup Final be; seasons ago? He came down series of brilliant displays. played? The tail end of a sca- to 100-3 a month before the It would be a remarkable
race and appeared certain son, after the final, would prove
feat if Crump could saddle his third winner of this race since un un-climax. And how would i start a short-priced favourite.
the war. Godsander jumpe like cricket react?
Aintree horse and appears
The Bexleyheath
manager feels the weather experts should be left 10 decide which wocky would be left free
Boccer,
to
DRIFTED
Then he began to drift in the market and went out to 28-1. six On
the day Irish money of brought him back to 20-1, but most backers who had support. ed him early on so that they could hedge were denied the opportunity.
There is no real
guarantee that any
one six-week period will be better or worse than the other. But while after February north-easterly winds help drain the pitch, In January and early February
night frosts morning haw only matters worse," he says.
The first year
Reynoldstown won ho
was a market drifter, So were Kellsboro Jack, Teal and Nickel Coin and most and make the outsiders. As many "National" winners drift in the market as harden.
MUST DO SOMETHING
Will the Football League or FA take notice of these sugges
of
__The_only_real alteration in the Grand National position to date la that the seven-year-old Goosander, trained at Middle- ham by Neville Crump, has
England's Unluckiest Cricketer Isn't Very Lucky At Football
When the liner ss, Strathmore docks at Tilbury on February 20, down the gangway will step England's unluckiest cricketer.
Five months ago aboard the as. Orsova, Jim McConnon left, Tilbury, full of confidence, and hope, with the MCC party bound for Australia..
in
great
senson,
to possess limited stamina.
At a recent cailover it was surprising to find Aly Khun's Royal Tan at only 100-8.
Royal Tan has improved physically since last which may surprise some, con- sidering that he is now 11 years old.
He is a horse who goes finding more and more
on under pressure and was therefore the ideal mount for such a force- ful rider as Bryan Marshall.
GREAT RIDER
Won
I doubt if any other jockey riding today could have the "National" on this horse. It will be interesting to see how the six-foot-tall Pat Taaffe gets on with him
Taaffe is undoubtedly a great rider and a great horsemah, but his height is against him. He has to ride uncommonly short because of this,
a
third
Last time out, when far from tuned up, Royal Tan gave great performance when to Copp over three miles and a furlong.
But for a mistake Royal Tan would have been event nearer than the 12% lengths by which he was beaten. Royal Tan will have д Blb, advantage with Copp in the Grand National.
Royal Tan is certainly rea- sonably treated on Saturday, when his chief opponenta likely to be another "National" candidato in ESB., Vigor and Limb of the Law,
aro
I still think Vigor is a better 'chaser than he has been given credit for. If he is saddled he Ilkely to cause the downfall
Now dejected, downhearted,, finger, and missed the 1053 home but not header, "Big Jim" sodsor because of knee trouble. returns-alone, Ho has been
McConnon did not take part sent hire because of a broken anger, an injury which culed in any of the first three Tests in of out orry chance of playing a part Australia. But be played in five
England's
Ashes first class matches, taking eight viebony.
wickets for 267 runs, and scoring 85 rune. Fielding against Queensland. In Brisbane, ha suf- fered a groin injury, and had, to have hospital treatment.
Then
came the match in
GETTING USE TO IT
1953 ho was sent home from
Duties Western Dist. - February along for the World Cup Gamen Saturn coupons by mid-day out short for him by injury: En and the broken finger.
1935: Chung Bing Neg. Div.
Mong Kok E..W.&. Axen, Clinie Dudes 18.2.55-19.2.50, KYMCA Net. Div 21.2,55-22.9.53, Waterloo NE DIV. 23.2.05-24.2.05, Stam *shulpo Neg. Div.
the Irish-trained horse.
-London Express Service).
NOTICE
THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB
Fijians Squeeze The Greatest Enjoyment
Out
Of Rugger
Says HYLTON CLEAVER
Few, if any, countries outside the Empire and France can show us how to play rugby, but I think a side of Fifi islanders could demonstrate to us how to squeeze the greatest enjoyment out of each match.
In 1939 a Fiji aide toured New Zealand. It was sald of them that they came to learn and stayed to teach. When the All Blacks admit to being taught rugby, iti means something.
In Australia In 1952 tha The Rugby Union are not kee Fijiane were so popular hatto extend their influence too far they were invited back in 1984. abroad. But there are Empire On their first visit they lost only islands. one match and won a Test,
On
their second they scored 528 I say bring a Fiji tentn to points. An Australian team paid England and
they will Twickenhamn.
them a return visit.
on
-(London Express Berakc«>
INTER-SCHOOL SOFTBALL
HARD GROUND
Fijinns play at home ground so hard that you cannot make a hole in it for a place- kick; scrums are coshroudod in dust rather than steam.
But the
men run like black Two Inter-school League soft- fleshes, trandle superbly and can ball matches were played at hurl a pass one-handed the width King's Park yesterday afternoon. of the Beld.
Their International
pack
In the opening me St. averages 34. with much Martins Collego caally best speed, but no specialised hooker, King's College by 33 to 7.
Thoir
captain, Apakui Tui- In the second, King George V tavus, is 87 and stands Oft 2in. and La Salle tied at ten He plays in the second row. each in the seventh inning. In the extra inning played La Salle 19 Josefa Levula,
ta wing three-quarter, who in the registered the winning run Australian sprint
triumph 11-10. championship, ran second to Hogan in 0.7sec.
Tho star
His smaller
Law-
The Teams: cousin 'play on KGV:-D. Beyer, the other wing and ran for Firence, A. Rud, J. Belote, P. in the Empire Gamos.
Remedios, R. Getz, B. Carlson, Centre- threequarter Jioji C. Rittgera and J. Meyers. Cavakevu
such
amazing La Sallent.
Azevedo, D.' acceleration, with a masterly Xavier, R. Remedios, D. sidesley and swerve that after Remedios, M. Nunes, M. Ferra the 1954 tour of Australia they R. Pacheco, M. Endaya, and J. gave him a farewell trophy. Chong.
bas
THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SEVENTH RACE MEETING Saturday 12th & Saturday 19th February, 1955. (To be held under the Rules of the Hong Kong Jockey Club)]
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF 18 RACES. The First Bell will be rung at 1.30 p.m. and the First Rece run at 2.00 pm. on both days.
The Secretary's Office at Alexandra House will close at 11.45 am. on both days.
MEMBERS' ENCLOSURE
NO PERSON WITHOUT A BADGE WILL BE ADMITTED, All persons MUST wear their badges prominently displayed throughout the meeting.
Admission Badges at $10.00 each per day are obtainable through the Secretary on the written or personal introduction of a Member, such member to be asponsible for all visitors introduced by him.
Tians will be obtainable at the Club House if ordered da advance from the No. 1 Boy (Tel: 72011).
NO CHILDREN will be admitted to the Club's premises during the Meeting. For this purpose a Child is a person under the age of seventeen years, Western Standard.
PUBLIC ENCLOSURE
The price of admission will be $3.00 each per day payable at the Gate,
Any person leaving the Enclosure will be required to pay the requisite fee of $3.00 in order to gain, re-adınlasión.
MEALS and REFRESHMENTS will be obtainable in the RESTAURANT.
SERVANTS
Servants must remain in their employer's boxes except for Betting Booths in the Members Betting Hall. passing through on their duties. They may on no account use the
CASH SWEEPS
Through Cash Sweep Tickets at $18.00 each for the second day of the Meeting may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Offices during normal office hours uitll 11.00 am, on 19th February,
€
Particular numbers within the series 1 to 4,000 may be reserved for all race meetings as Through Tickets. Such tickets will be issued consecutively only and the right is reserved by the Stowards to cancel any reservation for Through Tickets for a particular Meeting if it is found that sales may not reach the number reserved in the series 1 to 4,000,
In the case of two-day Race Meetings, Through Tickets may be purchased for each day of the Mocting provided that the second day is on a date not less than five days after the first day. In all other cases Through Tickets will only be sold for the whole Meeting.
Tickets reserved and available but not paid for by 10,00 .. on the day preceding the Race Meeting for which they are roserved will be sold and the reservation cancelled for dature Meetings.
Tickets over 4,000 will also be issued consecutively but particular numbers cannot be reserved as Through Tickets.
The reservation of any particular number does not conder on the registered holder any rights whatsoever unless the ticket bearing the appropriate number is lasted to and: om ba ́produced by the holder.
The Stewards reserve the right to refuse any subscription also the right to remove any name from subscription lists without stating reasons for their action.
Cual Sweep Tickets on the last race of the Meeting at $8.00 ooch may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Offices et Queen's Bulking, (Chater Road), B, D'Agullar Street and 363, Nathan Hom during normal office hours and untli 11.00 am on both days of the Meeting.
!
SPECIAL CASH SWEEP Tickets for the Special Cash Swoop on the Hong Kong Derby scheduled to be run on 9th April, 1955, at $2.00 each, may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Offices,
· TOTALISATOR
The 31-year-old Glamorgan off-spin bowler is getting used to hard knocks and disappoint- ments. This is the second tour Hobart against a Combined XI,
Draft Programmes und Entry Forms for the 8th Race CONTROVERSY. }
Meeting 1954/55 to be held India to have a knee operations
Before the war, he was a foot-
His being sent home caused on Saturday 5th and Saturday baller en
The 12th March, 1955, (weather He went home to the north-east MCC were criticed for a heart permitting), may be obtained until after the "all clear signal has been entbited..
Aston Villa's books, considerable controversy..
Backers are advised not to destroy or throw away their ticienta when Villa Park closed in 1939. gesture." In turn the MCC
driticind the newspapers in a at the Secretary's Office, ALL WINNING TICKETS AND TICKETS FOR REFUNDS Villa started up again; “One lengthy, statement which sald Alexandra House; the Club respective werk-and they were short or a the decision to send him home House, Happy Valley; and the
wing half. They
for was made with McConnon's full Stables, Shan Kwong Road. McConnon. "By including, only games old Birmingham digs he fell of
On his way to agreement.
{{Married," with two, ohildren, Kong Wah Gustav Bebis deep-rooted played on Sunday afternoons, a bus in the blacks, He warned Amber Div. Pte. Chenk. Shul-wals respect for English toolball goes we need only post off his coupon up at Villa Park Text door had on occasiona dodged NOON, on Tuesday, 22nd Tave for 6 months; Wed. 124. back over 30 years to the ime by 11. o'clock on Sunday.".
two, utolew
"Hungarian Pools players," "AN OPEN BOOK"
explained Gyula Mandi, the nadional trainer, to me "require "When you've read this, and plenty of time to fill up their studiot the many plans and columns and like to spend the sicetches, the detalled diet scales whole of Saturday, evening and Transfor—~—Div, Surg. Dr Tan
Minister Sebes Sunday, morning notessing..., thế Wel-chonn transferred from Shame and menus", shulpo Nag, Diy, to Kong Wali Amb. assured me, "the secrets of chances Div. w.eil, 9.3.15, 19
Hungarian football will read like beams" Dacrosse Of Strength(4) Larva: an open book."
Area Bupl.-R. A. Edwards foava tori
month w... 11.2.55.
at
the.
SHELL'
(2) Resignations Bhamahalpa Amb when he himself was a star only you'd play your hiv Pira, Chan Cis-phids player with the Budapest club, games on Sumay instead of Tais time he fell and men Villa onlied on Jim erice Tax÷wal resigned w.972. 10.11.04.
MTK-which has long since Saturday, we would have washe okdami to - emlatealth this early,
on the
(Red.) T. 1. TwHƯNG, CSLJ.
20%,
Deputy Cpisendandoner,
Entries close at 12 o'clock
bad luck. In 1951 ha took 136 February, 1955. wickets for Glamorgan, Last
par, he took seven Wickels for By Order of the Stewards,
H. MISA
Secretary,
MUST BE PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT AT THEY BACK COURSE ON THE DAY TO WHICH THEY REFER, NOT EVENT THAN ONE HOUR AFTER THE TIME FOR WHICH THE LAST RACE OF THE DAY HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO BE RUN.
- PAYMENTS WILL NOT HE MADE ON "TOHN.” OR DISFIGURED TICKETS, 7
Bookmakers, No Two men, etc. will not be permitted to operaio within the precincts of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, goodENTERS
My Order of the Stewards, W
H.MIGA
4
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