FAREWELL TO FOOTBALLERS

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1520, 31 July 1905, Page 2

FAREWELL TO FOOTBALLERS

THE NEW ZE ALAND REPRE SENTATFVES.

(Per Psess Association. Wellington, last night. A farewell smoke oonoert to the New Zealand football team on tho ove of their departure to the old country was held in concert-room of the Town Hall last night. The attendance was only moderate,and did not by any means come up to expectations. Mr G. F. C. Campbell, vice-president 'of the New Zealand Union, wa3 in the ohair, and was supported by Mr Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Massey and Hr Hislop, Mayor of Wellington. The Governor wired, expressing regret at his absence. Mr Seddon, who proposed the toast of the New Zealand team, was enthusiastically received, the ermpany rising and sing, ing ** For he’s a jolly good Fellow.” He said he felt satisfied the team would worthily uphold the honor of the colony, and represent it in a fit and proper manner. "The Britishers are panting for those ashes,” ho remarked, “ and don’t let them get them.” Continuing, he believed the trip of the team would be of great benefit to the colony, as it would bring us very greatly under the notice of the people of Great Britain, and must also tend to draw the colony closer to the mother country. Mr Dixon, manager of tho team, in replying, said that he considered the team very fairly represented the football strength of tho colony, and that it would worthily uphold tho good name of New Zealand. Mr Gallagher, captain, also responded, and expressed tho opinion tbat the team would justify itself both on and off the field.

The Mayor of Wellington proposed the toast of the Parliament of New Zealand, to which Mr Seddon and Mr Massey replied. The Leader of the Opposition, who received a very cordial reception, wished tho team a good time, a pleasant voyage, and a safe return. Sir Joseph Ward proposed the toast of the New Zealand Union. Mr Seddon announced that it wii3 desired that the team should be kspt in touch with the peoplo of tho colony, and with that object in view it had been arranged that any case of illness or accident should bo immediately reported to the Hi"h Commissioner in London, who would (Table tbo fact to the Government. The High Commissioner would also from time to time cable to the Government the doings of the team, Mr Seddon adding that this had been decided on after consultation with hia colleagues and Mr Massey.

AWAY ON THE OCEAN.

(Per Press Association.); Wellington, last night. At 9 o’clock this morning a good crowd boarded the ferry steamer Admiral and accompanied tho New Zealand footballers to tho Rimutaka’s Eidc. Brief farewells were said, tho little vessel swung out, and the big liner headed for tho Pacific to the accompaniment of foghorns and hearty cheering. Near the Heads the ferryboat Admiral drew near tho Rimutaka, and a -final cheer ws3 given. “ Auld Lang Syne “ was sung, end half an hour later tbq steamer waa lost to view.