BANQUET AT WELLINGTON.

Press, Volume XL, Issue 5859, 24 June 1884, Page 3

BANQUET AT WELLINGTON.

[ncne ASBOCIATIOH TXLASAV.] WELLINGTON, Jane 23. The New Zealand representative football team were entertained at a banquet at the Umpire Hotel this evening. hv» Excellency the Governor occupied the chair, " the Tice-chairs being occupied by Meesra H. D. Bell and C. A. Knapp. Among those present were the Hone. McLean and Steiens, M.L.C., Messrs C. Johnston, Hirst and Whitaker, and Capt. Morris, M.H.8.8, and J. E.Fifagerald (Comptroller-General), als* a large number of leading citizens. After the usual loyal toasta had been received with the cugtomary enthusiasm, His Excellency, is responding to that of ids health, amid he came among them as one who was willing to promote national pastimes, and the interest of those over " whom her Majesty had been pleased to appoint him Governor. His sympathy •was with all classes. He compared the present population of New Zealand to its abilities for holding hundreds of thousands aad to say that the colony was on the downfall was preposterous. He referred to the tour of the team in New South Wales, and congratulated the members comprising ■„• it for bo successfully upholding the credit of Maoriland. His Excellency now pro- -. posed " The health of the team," during which he was continually interrupted by cheers. He mentioned that his recollection of the game was an ancient one, but he had a son who was a member of the Football Club attached to the Boyal Engineers. This Club had won many a combat, and he hoped it would still continue to be successful. Eeferring to the unbeaten record of the New Zealand representatives, his Excellency stated that they could search the history of football "but would not find any such feat. Hβ heard on all sides what a genial skipper and a good footballer they had in Mr W. ? V. Million. He had little doubt of that, as this gentleman had led them to victory «o often. He paid a high tribute to Mr MOlton, and also to Mr Sleigh, who had lieen successful in arranging this interoolcmialcontest. Beforeconcludinghe would refer to the pleasure it gave him in mentioning the name of one of the team who was kindred to New Zealand. He referred toTaiaroa. [Prolonged cheering.] ■ fie had noticed throughout the conspi- ' OQOUB part this young player had taken,

~~c?*ad he was as equally glad to see that the - sons of the Natives -were running side by aide friendly -with the Europeans. Hβ proposed the " Health of the Team." <Qli Wf' "M't]r.T.iY>y J "friartig 'fo xc« spbnd he was cheered to the echo. He spoke in the highest terms of the treatment received at the hands of the New ■ South Welshmen. He congratulated the team on the success, and said that if ■-' erer any team could have done without a captain it was this one, as every man played a most unselfish game, and their whole desire was to return with a good reocird. He eulrgised the team on their passing, and paid especial praise to the sacks for their excellent long drops. Mr SGllton next referred to the matches, which ' ie already known. The Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, M.L.C., proposed "Athletics of New Zealand," and hoped that it would not be long bgfore they woe in a position to send a cricket team • to Australia with the success which the ~ .guests of the evening had attained. He hoped members of the team wouli not be earned away by their success, but would continue to practice and endeavor to maintain the premier position in athletics in Australia. Several other toasts were proposed, and being responded to the meeting broke up shortly before midnight. It is understood that the Members of the House of Representatives have invited the team to dinner at Bellamy's to-morrow flight, bub as the steamer leaves for the - South during the afternoon, it is probable that Mr Million will be unable to accept fee kind invitation.