KANGAROOS AND DRAGONS: THE 1923 CHINESE FOOTBALL TOUR OF AUSTRALIA

Transcription

1 KANGAROOS AND DRAGONS: THE 1923 CHINESE FOOTBALL TOUR OF AUSTRALIA A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy at the Australian National University by Nicholas Dennis Guoth March, 2010

2 Li Wai Tong Bulletin, 30 August 1923, p. 31. This thesis contains no material which has previously been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in an university or other institution and, to the best of my knowledge, contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis. ii

3 Abstract The 1923 tour of Australia by a Chinese soccer team generated considerable public attention. It was, and was intended to be, a series of events that placed these athletes in contrast to prevailing stereotypes of the Chinese in Australia. Much more than a spectacle or curiosity, however, the tour provided an opportunity for a range of interests to advance their claims and to find, in relation to each other, new points of synthesis on issues of race, class, immigration, trade and the place of the Australian nation in a post World War One context. This thesis offers an account of the tour and an analysis of the aspirations invested in it by its promoters, the press, businessmen, politicians, Chinese communities and spectators. The tour's impact is hard to assess, but its significance in reflecting this synthesis and these aspirations is considerable. iii

4 Table of Contents Page Introduction Chapter 1. A White Australia Evolution of the Tour Soccer as a Sport The Chinese Media Analysis Trade Relations Conclusion Appendix A. Results of the Tour Bibliography iv

5 Illustrations Title Li Wai Tong Page ii Henry Harry Millard 7 Shaw, Cubitt and Millard 41 Chinese players arrive 70 A wonderful save 76 A good header 77 A piece of good work 78 An incident 78 Chinese Footballers 83 International Association Football 86 Lucas, Tasmania s goalie clears his goal 90 Wong Pak Chung heads the ball in front of goal 90 Mok Hing 98 New Barracker 108 Scenes from China 124 All-A Samee! 130 v

6 Abbreviations CAAU: CFA: HKFA: KMT: MCG: NSW: NSWRL: NSWSFA: SCAA: SCG: SCMP: QFA: YMCA: Chinese Amateur Athletic Union Commonwealth Football Association Hong Kong Football Association Kuo Min Tang Melbourne Cricket Ground New South Wales New South Wales Rugby League New South Wales Soccer Football Association South China Athletic Association Sydney Cricket Ground South China Morning Post Queensland Football Association Young Men s Christian Association vi

7 Acknowledgements The idea of writing about a Chinese soccer tour, and yes most people call it football now, came about through my interests in the historicising of the early soccer internationals involving Australia. Having already completed, yet not published, a history of the first ever International tour by Australia, that to New Zealand in 1922, this appeared the next logical step. Yet, when a person, who shall remain nameless, suggested that I take up a Masters on the topic, it all seemed like a good idea at the time. Don t worry Stephen, I know where you live. That became four years of torment, working full-time and researching part-time. Yet, it also involved two Universities. I initially enrolled through Griffith University, Gold Coast with Kristine Toohey and Dwight Zakus, both of whom I should give my many thanks for the grounding they provided me in my learning experience. In 2007 I chose to withdraw from Griffith and take up my studies at the ANU, the main reason being the direction I wanted to take, history instead of business. Here at the ANU I found a superb supervisor, and a very supportive panel. To my supervisor Nick Brown, I could not have completed this without what I have learnt on my way through this journey. To Ann Curthoys, Alastair Greig and Ben Wellings, your comments and support were much appreciated. The staff at each of the many institutions, including, but not limited to, the National Archives of Australia in Canberra and Sydney, the National Archives of New Zealand in Wellington, the National Library of Australia, the Mitchell Library in Sydney, and the New South Wales Rugby League were extremely courteous and helpful. vii

8 A special thanks needs to go to the small army of translators, without whom this thesis may not have been able to step into the extra dimension of the Chinese thinking. The unending professional work by Darrell Dorrington and Ying Fang have revealed so much for my work. Also, the extra translations that were provided by my two close friends Yin Chen and Amy Fang have been highly invaluable. A special thanks should also go to all of the members of the History Program at the ANU for their generous support and assistance. Karen Smith, as administrator, has always provided a helpful ear. The collegiality and camaraderie provided by the students has been overwhelming. Also my work colleagues, and my supervisor, in my real job have also been kind in their support for me when I have been required to alter hours or take leave. My parents, my sister and her family have been generous, as always, in their support. Finally, I would like to thank everyone else who has worked with me on this thesis from all around the globe, the friendships I have gained will be unforgettable. viii