ALL BLACKS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 July 1924, Page 5

ALL BLACKS

HON. J. G. COATES EXPLAINS. (by telegraph —press association ) WELLINGTON, July 29. rhe Hon. J. G. Coates, whose name has been brought into prominence in connection with the suggested inclusion ot another player in the All Black team, explains that he simply carried a message from certain gentlemen in Wellington to members of the management committee who won? goin<r to Palmerston North for Saturday’s match ■He did this without comment to oblige the senders of the message, as they had no means of communicating with the committee in the time at their disposal.

Cheering crowds packed the wharf this afternoon when the All Blacks embarked on the Reinuera for'England. The footballers, at their hotel, were besieged all the morning by well-wishers and admirers, and their journey to the wharf, was a slow procession. * Before stepping on the gangway each All Black was introduced to the Remuera’s captain. Then his name was announced, ant \ h® boarded the ship to the acconipaniment of cheers and* banter. C. G. Porter, the newly-appointed captain, presently appeared with Eed Indian headgear, and stood the admired of all the beholders.

A mass of streamers linked the departing footballers with friends ashore, and as the ship moved out ringing cheers were given by the assembled thousands. The footballers, wearing hatbands with the silver fern were prominent as the ship pulled out. ,