THE LANDING

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 63, 17 March 1925, Page 5

THE LANDING

TEAM RECEIVES AN OVATION

WELCOME BY HARBOUR BOARD,

Scenes of remarkable enthusiasm were witnessed at the- new Pipitea Wharf as the victorious All Blacks stepped ashore from the Janie Seddon, and the appearance of each member of the team on the gangway was the signal for a spontaneous outburst of cheering, which echoed and re-echoed through the immense shed, and was enthusiastically taken up by the crowds iuside. Admiring friends and relatives crowded round each man as he stepped ashore, and as tho All Blacks were conducted to the shed for the Harbour Board welcome there were further outbursts of cheering. "Jock" Richardson, walking on crutches, Captain Porter, Nepia, with his wonderful record of matches behind him, and Mark Nicholls, "the brains of the team," were especially picked out for warm demonstrations of welcome, and each modestly acknowledged the plaudits of the crowd. A special dais had been erected in the Pipitea Shed for the Harbour Board welcome, and round this members of the team were grouped. On the dais were the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr. G. Mitchell), members of the board, the manager of the team (Mr. S. S. Dean), and the captain of the team (Mr. C. G. Porter).

"WE ARE PROUD OF YOU"

In extending a welcome to the team on behalf of the board, Mr. Mitchell said that they had followed the doings of the team from the time they left until their return, and of the members of the team he could say that they had been the greatest asset that New Zealand had ever had, apart from the men who made up the expeditionary forces. (Cheers.)" They had played the game on the field and off the field. "We are proud of you," said Mr. Mitchell. "As an advertising medium, nothing to equal you has ever left this country. I hope that you liavo benefited from your trip. You have seen what they have and do in other parts, especially tho British Empire, a'lid 1 hope that what you have seen will bo of benefit to you in your priviite lives now that you have returned. We are proud of the fact that you have come through the tour with an unbeaten record. (Cheers.) You have silenced the critics in this country and at Home." (Prolonged cheers.) "If there had been any unfortunate incidents during the tour, said Mr. Mitchell, they all knew that it was not the fault of the All Blacks. "You are heroes, and heroes you will always be in the records of the game of Rugby, ami in the history of your country," concluded the Harbour Board chairman. Cheers were then given for the All Blacks and for Porter. "WE HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL ' TIME" In replying, Mr. Dean said that he desired to thank Mr. Mitchell very sincerely for the welcome home that he had extended them. "I can assure you that we have had a most wonderful time," said Mi\ Dean. "We have been received hospitably everywhere, but despite all that we are glad to be home again. (Cheers.) We have come back convinced that New Zealand is still the best country in the world. As for the team, they have played the game on and off the field, and their behaviour has been wonderful. From the time we left New Zealand until the present time there has not been i a single argument amongst the team. If it is possible to get a. better set of boys than those comprising the present team then let me see them. My only regret to-day is that I am losing 'my family." I have had a large family, larger than I have ever aspired to. (Laughter.) But I wouldn't mind having a family such as I have had during the last eight months." (Applause.) Further cheers marked the conclusion of the ceremony, and there were at once insistent demands for the war cry. "We'll give that at the Town Hall," said Mr. Dean, but that would not do, and finally Mr. Dean gathered the members of the teiun together. Led by Nepia, the members oF the team then gave the famous cry which stirred tho mighty crowds at Home, mid nt its conclusion there was a loug salvu of chuering, which

made the shed ring. The All Blacks then left by motor for the tour of tho principal streets.