RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 216, 11 September 1911, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND TEAM ENTERTAINED. ' THE TARANAKI MATCH. DOMNION CHAMPIONSHIP. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. After Saturday's match the Wellington and Auckland teams were entertained at a banquet by the Wellington Rugby Union at the New Zealander Hotel. The Hon. J. A. Millar occupied the chair, and was supported by Messrs. Brown and Perry of tho Wellington Rugby Union, and Air. Sheehan, manager of the visiting team. Messrs. Glover and Lawry, M.P.'s, wero also present. Many toasts were honoured, and congratulatory speeches "made by different speakers. Air. Millar expressed his pleasure at the fine exhibition of the game, and the clean, haru tussle witnessed that afternoon. He referred to the agitation at present being worked up by certain sections of the community with the idea of putting down sport in all its branches, and he promised that as far as lay in his power lie would do all he could to counteract it. Alessrs Glover and Lawry, as Auckland representatives in Parliament, were paiticulaixy gratified at the win, and spoke in glowing terms of the sporting game they had witnessed. Air. Sheahan congratulated Wellington on the fine game they put up, and said his team were fully extended. He paid a -high tribute to the conduct of tho players on tour, and said he was never associated ith a better class of men in all bis experience. Afterwards the team was shown through Parliament Buildings by tlie Hon. T. Thompson, M.L.C., and were then welcomed at Bellamy's, when there was a laTge attendance of hon. members. Tito Hon. Thompson occupied the chair, and heartily congratulated the team on its fine win. He sincerely hoped they would be victorious against Taranaki, and wished them a safe journey 'back to Auckland. Air. A. AL Alyers, MP.., who was greeted with hearty applause, congratulated tho Auckland Rugby Union on its happy choice of manager, and said no doubt the team was very' fortunate in having Air. Shealian in that capacity. He was extremely anxious that they should preserve their unbeaten record, and promised a medal to each player in the team should they beat Taranaki. Further speeches were made by Alcssrs. Glover, Colviri, Dillon, Witty, Ross, Greenslade, Poole, Field and Dive, ALP.'s, all being of a complimentary character. Air. Dive, ALP. for Egmont, said that Auckland would be given a warm welcome and a good game in Taranaki. Everyone, looked upon this match as the Dominion football championship, for both teams had great records, and there was tio doubt the game would be a great struggle. Several toasts were honoured, and hon. members then entertained the visitors at supper, a most enjoj'able evening being spent. The°Taranaki team arrived from the South yesterday, on its return home, and acoinpanied by the Auckland and Wellington teams, were the guests of tho local union to a drive to 801 l Gardens yesterday afternoon, afternoon tea being provided at the kiosk. The team, with the exception of Alurray and O'Brien, who are remaining for the Post and Telegraph match on Tuesday, left for New Plymouth this morning. Everyone is animated with the desire to win the final match, and Auckland supporters can Test assured that every effort will be made to do so.