FOOTBALL RECEPTION

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 268, 8 August 1930, Page 5

FOOTBALL RECEPTION

Last night those members of the English Rugby team who have Ireland as their birthplace were the guests of the Ulster Association of New Zealand at a reception held in the Adelphi Cabaret, when about a hundred and fifty members and friends were present, and a happy time was spent with dancing and musical items.

The guests of honour, who were Messrs. H. H. O’Neil, Farrell, Beamish, and Murray, were received by the president, the Rev. James Baird, who welcomed them in the name of the association and expressed'the hope that they had enjoyed their visit to New Zealand. He asked them to take back greetings from those Irish people who had made New Zealand their home to the Old Country. He then presented them on behalf of the association with little silver badges made in memory of their visit. These showed a tiny - greenstone tiki in the centre of the New Zealand fern, with the shamrock above, and the red hand of Ulster below, and N.Z. on either side.

Mr. Beamish replied on behalf of the visitors, thanking the association for their hospitality, which would, he said, stand out in their memories of the trip. They had had a good time in New Zealand, and had enjoyed the games. They were looking forward to a keen contest on Saturday. Mr. Farrell, a native of Dublin, also spoke and expressed, .pleasure at being present, and said. he would remember the evening long after his return. . During the evening, musical items were given by Mr. McDonald. Mrs. Astill, and and Mrs. Clayton,, and Miss Murray gave a step dance.. Mr.. H. M. May, secretary and treasurer, was an efficient M.C. for the function.