AFTER THE MATCH

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 10 August 1925, Page 5

AFTER THE MATCH

TEAMS ENTERTAINED,

In ;the evening the members of the Australian and New Zealand teams were the guests of the Wellington Hockey Association at a smoke concert in Dustin's rooms. Mr. B. G. H. Burn presided. After the loyal toast and that of the patron of the Wellington Hockey Association (His Excellency the- GovernorGeneral) had bepn honoured the chairman extended a welcome to the Australian team. He hoped the visitors had enjoyed themselves in the various places, they had passed through on their tour. Replying, Air. W. Rothwell, manager of the Australian team, eaid the members of his team were now not regarding themselves as visitors, but rather a* one of the family. The hospitality extended tlxe team everywhere it had been had been wonderful. It seemed to "him that the aim of each provincial hockey association was to ont-do the other iv entertaining ti,e team, Speaking of the Test match, Mr. Rothwell said that the New Zealand side was superior on the day's play, and he congratulated the team on their rein. Although he considered his men put np a good showing, they were not the equal of the players they met.

Proposing the toast of the "Now Zealand Team," Mr. J. M. Abel, captain of the Australian team, said that the match had been one of the best the Australian team had played in New Zealand. He congratulated the New. Zealanders on their success.

In response, Mr. O. K. Perrin, captain of the New Zealand team, paid a tribute to the Australians for the enjoyable game, they had provided. The game had been cleanly corltcsted, and there had not been a murmur throughout, although tho score was against the players from overseas. Mr. E. Watts, vice-captain, also replied to the toast.

Mr. Kent, a vice-president of the New Zealand Hockey Association, proposed the toast of tho "Australian Hockey Association." If it was not for the fact that there was an Australian Hockey Association, cajd Mr. Kent, New Zealand would not h'avn visits from Australia. Mr. Until well, replying, said he had been asked officially tooxtend an invitation for a'visit of :i" New Zealand (cam to Australia in 1927. Hockey was paining in popularity in Australia, and this was largely due to the visit of the New Zealand team in 1923."

Oilier toasts . lionoure'd were: "Now Zealand Hockey Association," "Welling-.

ton Hockey Association," "The Referees," "The. Ladies," "The Press," "Kindred Sports,." and "Tho Artists." During the evening Mr. Kent present, ed Mr. Perrin with the "ashes" won by his team, The Manning Memorial Cup, which is being purchased at, Home for competition every second year between Australia and New Zealand., will also be pres anted in due course.. A bright programme of entertainment woe provided, and the gathering concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."