THE ANGLO-WELSH FOOTBALLERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 169, 16 July 1908, Page 5

THE ANGLO-WELSH FOOTBALLERS.

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND. In a. glorious burst of sunshine, the red, white, and blue bedecked Rugby representatives of England and Wales landed at Onehunga shortly before 11 o'clock this morning. The touring footballers were welcomed at the wharf by Messrs. M. J. Sheahan and C. V. Langsford, of the Auckland Rugby Union, and Mr. D. Gallaher. It was with expressions of relief at being once more on solid earth that the Homelanders walked off the wharf to board the brakes which were waiting, to convey them to their quarters in the heart of the Queen City. Well mantled against the elements, and snugly settled in the drag, the overland drive of the footballers from over the thousands of miles of ocean was commenced. The first incident occurred at the Royal Oak corner, where some of the horses went on "strike." The riotous humour of the animals was such •that the invalid members of the team were taken out of the brake. The "transhipped" players were picked up by the following conveyance, and the journey resumed in comfort. The fine dwellings, the fine, greenturfed country rolling away towards the sea on the one side, and ascending towards One-tree Hill on the other drew exclamations from the Britons which indicated that the scenery was appreciated. "Epsom! look, Epsom!! " suddenly went forth from the drag-as the visitors recognised the familiar name on a building of tbe popular residential suburb. A stop was made at Epsom whilst a hasty view of the battlefield to be was taken. Mr. Hartnett remarked that the appointments appeared to be the finest he had seen yet, and in this he referred particularly to the seating accommodation. On past Epsom, and through Newmarket, where the familiar name of the suburb occasioned pleasant reflections of home. "By Jove! that's grand," was one's exclamation as the Aucklanders in the conveyance recited the English names in use in the municipalities. Parnell scarcely entered, and the horses wheel to the left and enter upon a delightful drive through the Domain. The visitors marvelled at the growth we have here in winter; arum lilies at this time of the year, and many of the trees native of their own land' in leaf, astonished them. Up Khyber Pass, and then down Symonds-street, and Queen-street to Victoria-street, and the brake pulled up at the Central Hotel, over which the Union Jack fluttered a British welcome. Several of the players are disabled. Gihbs had to be carried to and from the drag, and Jackett and "Ponty" Jones are also injured. In addition, Morgan and Davey were hurt in the Taranaki match yesterday. The Britons advance an excuse for their defeat at New Plymouth, stating that when Dive scored, Dr. McEvedy and Smith were attending to Botherby (the Taranaki forward), who had been hurt. Mr. Galbraith, of the New Zealand Union, who accompanies the team, says that the visitors have improved remarkably since landing in tho Dominion. The team is to practise at Ep3oin to-morrow if the weather is fine Mr. Harnett has telegraphed to the Hon. Hall-Jones requesting a special train to convey the team to Rotorua on Saturday night. J Mr. D. Gallagher has been appointed manager of the New Zealand team for its match in Auckland. The New Zealand representatives will probably be taken to Kawau for the week prior "to the match, but this cannot be definitely fixed till after the arrival of the Southern members on, Saturday. MAYORAL RECEPTION. A large number of men attended the Mayoral reception this afternoon. The Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers) expressed much pleasure on behalf of the citizens of Auckland in tendering a hearty welcome. Aucklanders had been looking forward to the visit, and had keenly followed their doings through the Dominion. The visitors had proved worthy exponents of one of the national game's of England and the Colonies. It was satisfactory that nothing had occurred during the tour to -diminish the fair names of the teams, which had preceded them. It must be surprising to them to find the zest with which the prominent sports were taken up at this end of the earth. The majority of successful and distinguished men had been athletes in their youth. They would find the footballers of New Zealand actuated by pure sportsmanship. The team had come at the psychological time, in view of the springing-up of professionalism, and the great crowds which had attended the matches was an indication of the success of amateurism over professionalism. He trusted their stay would be pleasurable, and that the feelings of comradeship would bas as great at the conclusion of the tour as now. (Applause.) Mr Devore, on behalf of the Auckland Rugby Union and all local followers of the game, extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors. He "assured them that footballers in Auckland had noted with very great interest their progress through New Zealand, and it was a matter of sincere gratification to local footballers that Auckland was to meet them at the end of their tour, when they were in the pink of condition. Although he could tell them confidentially that Auckland was pretty weak in backs—(laughter) —yet he was sure a good game would result, whichever team won. (Applause.) The Auckland public would turn up in their thousands, and barring the small boy, who was not always impartial, —(renewed laughter)—the visitors would receive a recognition equal with our own men. (Applause.) Football was a grand game, and when played in the proper spirit, there was no finer way of educating the young men to a sense of manlines and a knowledge of the value of endurance. New Zealand was thehome of football, and although Australia could show us many things, they had to play second fiddle when it came to football. The "Bulletin" even said so. (Laughter and applause.) He again welcomed them heartily, and called for three cheers, which were given with rousing spirit in honour of the Britishers. (Continued on page _.)