NEW ZEALAND CRICKETERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 May 1931, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND CRICKETERS

WELCOMED BY SPORTSMEN ... 4 <- ‘’ J A NOTABLE GATHERING [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.- —COPYRIGHT.] (Recd. May 2, 10 a.m.). LONDON, May 1. A notable reception was given to .the New Zealand cricketers at the British Sportsmen’s club luncheon, at the ,Sav i oy Hotel, to-day. Lord Harris presided. Others present included Earl Jellicoe, Viscount Plumer, Secretary of State for the Dominions (Mr. Thomas), Sir Kynaston Studd, Sir T. M. Wilford, Sir Malcolm Campbell, P. F. Chapman, W. W. Wakefield and other prominent personalities in all branches of British sport. Proposing the toast of the visitors, the Chairman said that New Zealand had recently suffered a; terrible catastrophe, but -it was faced with the utmost courage. Britain’s admifation was added to tlte welcome. The previous New Zealand teams’ play encouraged the belief that England had foemen worthy of her steel. “I wish the team all the success they deserve, and they deserve a good deal,” he said. Mr. Thomas said he was delighted to express a welcome on behalf of thp Government. There was nobody more determined to maintain the best traditions of the British race than the New Zealand citizen. .. Returning thanks, T. C. Lowry said the difficulties of financing the tour had been overcome entirely through the enthusiasm of the New Zealand sportsmen. The royal welcome Was', a prologue to what would be an enjoyable tour. Lowry raised laughter by announcing that half the funds to send the team resulted from a lottery, otherwise they could not have come. Chapman said that if the visitors, won the test, it would do an immense •amount of good for cricket. All members of the team practised at Lord’s this afternoon. The players were generally content to loosen up.