BRITISH RUGBY TEAM.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19928, 15 May 1930, Page 8

BRITISH RUGBY TEAM.

ARRIVAL IN DOMINION. A WARM WELCOME. tTHB PBBBS SpecUl Berries.] WELLINGTON, May 14. A British Rugby football team that bids fair to uphold the standard and sportsmanship of its predecessors arrived in Wellington to-day by the Rangitala from Southampton. Prentice's .men,, once they mould into a team, will bo a formidable sido, and in viow of the fact that their main j strength lies in their forwards, they I should make it interesting for Now Zealand. | Thcro was an atmosphere of expectation at the Pipitea wharf this morning, manifesting already the intense interest that is being taken in the forthcoming tour. The New Zealand and Wellington Rugby Unions' reception at the harbour sheds had a glamour that was not present on the arrival of tho South -Africans in 1021. The Rangitata appeared in the harbour about 10 o'clock, and immediately tho Government steamer Janie Seddon, carrying Rugby Union officials, went out to bring the footballers to tho Pipitea wharf. The wharf shed had been gaily decorated with flags and greenery for the reception, and in theso general arrangements the New Zealand Rugby Union had re; ceived valuable assistance, from the staff of tho Harbour Board. Almost evory sport was represented in tho official party. Dr. G. J. Adams, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr S. S. Dean, chairman of the Management Committee, and Dr. P. F. McEvcdy, president of the Wellington Union, went out to the stream to welcome tho visitors, who arrived at the wharf at 11 o'clock. At the call of Captain Macindoe, three cheers were given i'or the players as-they stepped ashore. The first impression ono got of tho team was one of keenness, and there is no doubt that there-are several players of vory fine physique. Addresses of Welcome. Mr S. S. Dean expressed tho Now Zealand Union's appreciation of tho facilities granted by the Harbour Board. "We are pleased to see Mr Baxter and his merry men arrive safe *nd sound," added Mr Dean. "They are looking forward to tho tour with very great interest." The chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr McEwan) followed, and he extended a welcome on behalf of the Board. "I feel sure that this team, brought up as it has been on good British traditions, will play the game, and that they are quito prepared to let the better team win. I wish them all the success it is possible for them to achieve." "On behalf of tho New Zealand Rugby Union, footballers in the outlying districts of New Zealand, and the Native race, I extend a hearty welcome to the team," said Dr. G. J. Adams. The arrival of the team had been looked forward to with the utmost enthusiasm; in fact, never in the annals of Rugby football in New Zealand had the arrival of an international side been awaited with so much interest. ..'.Welcomes hadbean arranged throughout the length and breadth of the country for the visitors,! and it might be necessary to curtail some of tho entertainments arranged. He trusted, however, that the team would accept sufficient entertainment from the New Zealand Rugby Union and the people of New Zealand as repayment in small measure for the generosity shown New Zealand teams that had visited the Old Country. In that he felt suro ho was just expressing the opinion of one and all throughout the Dominion. He would like to mention that New Zealand was not a country of ceremonial. The motto was homeliness. He trusted that while the team was in New Zealand they would make themselves at home, and that their stay would be one of the most enjoyable periods of their lives. Dr. P. F. McEvedy expressed tho good wishes of the Wellington Rugby Union, which, he said, would be second to noue in its efforts to mako the team • welcome, and he trusted that their stay ■would bo one of the most pleasant memories they would carry away with them. He would like to re-echo what Dr. Adams had said regarding the hospitality that would be showered on them. Hi 3 experience on the two occasions he visited New Zealand as a member of teams from Home was that too much entertainment was no good . from a football point of view. He wished the team every possible success they could have in New Zealand, and expressed pleasure at the fact that they had arrived fit and well. It was tho hope of all that during their tour the members of the team would have freedom from accidents and would enjoy their football. They wished the visitors even more success probably than some people cared to admit, for it was recognised that if they gave the New Zealand teams a jolly good thrashing it would be to the benefit of our football, and they would gladly take it. (Applause.) Before Mr Baxter replied hearty cheers were given for him and the team by the assemblage. Manager's Reply. "We are all very much touched with this most delightful welcome given us," said Mr Baxter. They had all heard from time to time of the warmth of New Zealand receptions, but none of the team had visited the Dominion before, and the * nature of tho welcome roally had. come as a shock. Ho was afraid that teams visiting England were received in a very casual manner, but the presence of. so many people to meet the team touched them all very; very deeply indeed. So far as the team was concerned, they would play the game according to the way it should be played. Win or lose, it would be all the same to them so long as the game was played in the proper spirit.. They were looking forward with a great deal of interest to the various matches that had been arranged. Ho knew it was unwise to prophesy, and he was not doing so when ho said that he thought that after the tour was over New Zealanders would bo as sorry to see the team go as they themselves'would be exceedingly sorry to set sail for home ' again, , • The captain (Mr P. D. Prentice) was received with cheers and applause. He spoke briefly, expressing thanks on behalf of the team for the warm welcome, which he would like to assure all was appreciated very much" indeed. They were going to play the game both on and off the field. (Applause.) ; When Bearing the New Zealand coast a radio message of welcome from Mr P. Campbell, president of the Ne.w Zealand Football Association, was received by the English team. The message read:' "Associativa .footballers give you a hearty welcome and wish you a pleasautand a-happy tour. Eia Ora.^