RUGBY TOUR.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 7, 8 July 1938, Page 15

RUGBY TOUR.

NEW ZEALAND TEAM

"WILL PLAY ATTRACTIVELY"

FAREWELL FUNCTION

A note of confidence in the ability of the New Zealand Rugby team to do well on its tour of Australia was , struck at a farewell function to the team at the Grand Hotel yesterday afternoon, and with it there was . a special point made by the captain of the team (N. A. Mitchell) that, from a playing point of view, the adoption of international rules was to be welcomed. "To our mind," said the captain, "Rugby- is a very democratic sort of game, one that should be. played by those who, generally speaking, play only on Saturday afternoons. In other words, it is a game for those who have to work for their living." He went on to suggest that those who would seek to change were not appreciative of what the game meant. "We in New Zealand feel very strongly on that point," he added. "EYES ARE UPON YOU." "We send you away with every confidence that you will live up to and maintain the great reputation of New Zealand teams that have visited Australia before," said Mr. S. S. • Dean, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union. "You are not only the accredited representatives of New Zealand Rugby but also of theSDominion of New Zealand. You realise that when you are going on tour the eyes of the people are upon you. A country is judged by the type of men or women who represent it, and it is needless for me to say that we know you will uphold the reputation of the country you are going to represent "As far as football is concerned, we are quite confident that you will do well on the tour, that you will play bright, attractive football. If you win, we krlow that you will accept your success with modesty, and if you lose you will be the first to congratulate the victors." Mr. Dean added that the team would be taking the Bledisjoe Cup with ,it, and the hope was that it % would he brought back. On behalf o£ the New Zealand Rugby Union, he wished the team a pleasant voyage, good games, and a safe return^ KEEN TO DO WELI* Dr. Adai^s, in reply, expressed appreciation of the good wishes and of what had been done for the team, making special reference to Messrs. Dean and Neilson for their efforts on behalf of the side m the matter of arrangements and facilities. The members of the team fully appreciated the very high traditions they had to maintain on the other side.of.,the Tasman, and all could rest assured that the team would do nothing but honour to the Dominion. There were two very important aspects to be borne in mind. One was the playing of Rugby as it should be played and the other the ambassadorial aspect. Both were fully realise^, by those undertaking the tour. The team would, maintain the high traditions of British sportsmanship, "and," Dr. Adams concluded, "we hope that on our return we will have proved ourselves worthy of your appreciation and praise." Mr. McDonald also expressed thanks, and indicated that he, too, had every confidence in the ability of the boys. He would devote much of his time to the training and coaching of the members of the team. If good team -work could be developed and attractive football played, he would be more than satisfied. All,; he knew, would do their very best on and off the field. ;

The team's thanks for the good wishes were expressed, too, by: the captain, N. A. Mitchell, who also indicated the team's pleasure at the managerial appointments. He dealt with the playing aspect, and assured all thaf; the team would do its utmost to plaj* the. game. . The fact that two Australian pressmen, Messrs. S. C. King and K. Hardy, had been sent to New Zealand by their respective newspapers to do preliminary work for the papers in connection with the tour and to go back with the team, was mentioned by Mr. Dean, and he thought those newspapers were to be congratulated. The gathering concluded with cheers for the team and the singing of "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." Those present included four 1905 All Blacks, Messrs. W. J. Wallace, A. McDonald (one of the present team's managers), F. Glasgow, and J. O'Sullivan. Also present was one who had first gained New Zealand honours in 1907—Mr. F. Mitchinson. It was mentioned that Mr. O'Sullivan would be going to Australia to see the team in action there."

There were farewells later at the wharf, and the team left by the Wanganella shortly after 5 o'clock.