FAREWELL DINNER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 155, 12 April 1930, Page 7

FAREWELL DINNER.

ENGLISH RUGBY TEAM. NEW ZEALAND GATHERING. (United Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, April 11. Three hundred attended the New Zealand Association’s dinner at the Savoy Hotel, at which the members of the British Rugby team were entertained. Among the distinguished guests were the Duke of York, Lord Passfield, Lord 'Liverpool, Lord Dewbor-ouo-h, Lord Ampthill, Sir Charles hergusson, Sir James Parr, Sir James Mill, Brigadier-General Braithwaite, and Mr Percy Chapman. Responding to the toast of . the Royal Family, the Duke of York wittily referred to his visit to New Zealand. He said: “The time spent there left a lasting admiration for its achievements and its potentialities. I can assure sportsmen that New Zealand affords all-round scope. I sampled several sports, but I was not allowed to stay long enough anywhere to witness a cricket match. (Prolonged4aughter.) You will find New Zealanders as determined as hosts as players. I envy you your trip and wish you good luck.” Mr T. M. Wilford read bon voyage messages from the King, Sir Joseph Ward, the manager of the All Blacks, and the New Zealand Rugby Union. He advised the teams to beware of matrimony, but if the ladies were irresistible, / then to become New Zealand citizens and not to bring their brides to Britain. A HEARTY SEND-OFF. SOME HARD GAMES EXPECTED. (Received This Dav, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, Anvil 11. The Rugby team to -tour New Zealand had ’the lfeartiest of send-offs at Southampton when the Rangitana sailed. Prentice, who has been anoointed captain, says that if the team does not suffer injuries it will do well, though they expect some hard games.