CANTERBURY ALL BLACKS RETURN

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27307, 25 March 1954, Page 5

CANTERBURY ALL BLACKS RETURN

PLAYERS WELCOMED AT HAREWOOD

“It was a great trip, but I’m glad to be home.” This remark, overheard at Harewood airport, summed up the feelings of the six Canterbury members of the All Blacks—R. C. Stuart, the captain, G. N. Dalzell, P. Eastgate, D. Wilson, M. J. Dixon and A. E. Gx Elsom—who arrived in Christchurch yesterday morning. There was little formality at the airport, the wives and children of some of the players occupying their full attention as soon as the aircraft torched down. Carrying small handbags and parcels of souvenirs, the players lost no time in crossing the tarmac to be welcomed by relatives, members of the public and officials of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union. Dixon, first to alight from the aircraft, did not have to wait long for his welcome home. Half way across the tarmac he was met by his small son, and other members of the team received no less vociferous a welcome as they were spotted by their children. With the news from Auckland that the All Blacks looked tired and jaded, the homecoming of Canterbury’s six men was an anxious one for Mr J. G. Rankin, Canterbury selector. With Canterbury holding, the Ranfurly Shield, he was keen to see what condition his men were in. In all cases his anxiety proved groundless, for although all said they were feeling the effects of the tour and were fairly tired, they also intimated that they would be ready for the first challenge. With the exception of Dixon, who pronounced himself to be ready for the football season, the remaining players said they were going to have a rest before beginning again. Wilson said he was not yet sure if he would be in Christchurch to play. That had to be decided. Also on the aircraft were the assistant manager (Mr A. E. Marslin). and the Otago and Southland All Blacks. K. L. Skinner, W. A. McCaw, L. S. Haig and C. A. Woods, who continued their flight south later in the morning.

ASSOCIATION CODE

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS Only the best available playing fields would be used for first division games in the coming season, it was decided at a meeting of the management committee of the Canterbury Football Association. The president (Mr M. A. Gordon) was instructed to endeavour to arrange representative fixtures with Wellington and Otago. July was suggested as the most suitable month. An appeal was made for referees for the coming season.