CONQUERING HEROES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 20, 24 January 1924, Page 14

CONQUERING HEROES

NELSON'S WELCOME HOME. , (IT TELIOBAPB SPECIAL TO THI POST.) "NELSON, Ths Day. j The Nelson cricket team, which, won the Hawke Cup by defeating the Wanganui team, arrived home by the Ngaio yesterday. A large number of citizens assembled at - the wharf to give them a welcome. At noon to-day a civic welcome was given, the Mayor, Mr. W. Lock, presiding. The Mayor of Richmond, Mr. James Hunt, and Mr. E. R. Neale, representing the captain of the cricket, team, were on the • platform, and there was a very large and representative attendance of citizens • s. and sports bodies. Congratulatoryl speeches were made by the Mayors of Nelson and Richmond, and by Councillor .Moffatt, Mr. Bennett, on behalf of the Rugby Union, and Mr. S. Kirkpatrick. During his remarks, the Mayor, Mr. Lock, spoke appreciatively of the fine sporting spirit of the Wanganui Cricket Association, the secretary of which, Mr. J. A. Hayhow, had sent him a congratulatory, telegram, and had asked that the winners should be given a hearty reception on their arrival home, as they honestly deserved it. The Mayor regretted that up till now Nelson had been unable to provide a good cricket field, but better provision, he felt sure, would' be made in the future. The area was all right, but the condition of the ground had not been all it should be./ Mr. E. R. Neale, before acknowledging the appreciation of the team's achievement, apologised for the absence of the popular and able captain, Mr. K. Saxon, who had remained in the north on holiday: Mr. Neale paid a tribute to the excel-; lence of the umpires, both of whom were Wanganui men. Extreme fairness had marked all their decisions. His team greatly appreciated this. ' Cheers were given, for the victors, and the proceedings throughout were of the most enthusiastic description. After the reception the team was entertained at luncheon at the Masonic Hotel.