THE ALL BLACKS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 248, 2 August 1932, Page 6

THE ALL BLACKS

RETURN FROM AUSTRALIA. A JUSTIFIABLY PROUD TEAM. WARM WELCOME AT WELLINGTON. (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. Looking happy, well and justifiably proud of the magnificent Bledislo© Cup, the token of their success against the elect of Australia, the All Blacks returned by the Zealandia from Sydney to-day and Were met with a warm reception at the Queen's Wharf when they disembarked. Mr Pownall (president of the New Zealand Rugby Union), was among the first to extend congratulations to the manager (Mr W. J. Wallace), F. D. Kilby (captain of the team), ; and the remainder of the party. He was accompanied by the chairman of the Management Committee (Mr S. S. Dean) and members of the committee of both the New Zealand and Wellington Unions. Relatives and friends waited behind the barriers.

Congratulating the team, Mr Pownall said it was realised they were sending away a young team that had not a very great deal of experience in big match play, but he thought the selectors did the wise thing in choosing young blood, particularly in view of tho proposed tour of ' Great Britain in four years' time. The committee showed wisdom in appointing Mr Wallace to manage the team. "We knew that whatever there was in tho team, he would bring rt out." he said. "This team has had a very good trip, and owe New Zealand a very great debt. I think they will acknowledge it, and I hope that'when they go to their homes they will do their best to pass on their knowledge, not only l to their own teams, but also to their opponents." In the course of his reply, Mr Wallace said the forwards were the fastest of any team that has gone to Australia and the backs improved out of sight. He paid a tribute to the work of" the trainer and masseur (Mr Syd. Murray), who had to be thanked for the fact that there was not one case of septic poisoning on the tour. He had been busy night and day attending to the players. Kilby said New Zealand had every reason "to be proud of these boys, and added: "This country is in the process of team-building, and by-the time the English tour comes along, we will have a very fine team." REGARD FOR THE CAPTAIN. TEAM MAKES PRESENTATION. WELLINGTON,, This Day. All the team returned feeling fit except Procter, who has not sufficiently recovered from a knee injury and concussion to be fit enough to give of his best, D. Max is still on crutches, but expects to be recovered soon. The high regard in which the team held Kilby and Steere (captain and vice-captain respectively) was evident when tho players met to make a presentation to each. The mementoes were handed over by Mr Wallace, who said the team recognised that in Kilby it had a first-class captain. The team had great affection both for him and Steere. They had sat with him on the selection committee and had been very fair, their one object being to consider the best interests of the team. Kilby spoke highly of the support received from members of the team. Off the field it had been wonderful, and on the field he could not ask for a better side to lead. His instructions, which had only been requests, had been carried out without hesitation. Steere also paid a tribute to the spirit ..that had existed among the players throughout the tour.