ALL BLACKS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 January 1925, Page 7

ALL BLACKS.

ENTERTAINED AT LUNCHEON

COMPLIMENTARY REFERENCES,

GIFTS TO THE TEAM

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT,

(Received Jan. 22, 1.40 q.m.) LONDON, Jan. 21

The most representative body of British sportsmen on record gathered at the luncheon at Piccadilly Hotel todav, in honour of the All Blacks, and New Zealand. Lord Desborpugli presided at the request of the Prince of Wales, who wished the function to be informal. The Prince of Wales gave the toast “All Blacks.” the speeches being broadcasted. The Prince of Wales dwelt on the advantage of the visit of such keen sportsmen, not merely to the Old Country, but to the Empire. The All Blacks of 1924 proved to be of the old brand of New Zealanders. He himself saw a- splendid brand in wartime. He pointed out that eleven members of the team were ex-servicers, and hoped that when they returned home they would tell the people that the Old Country knew how- to lose, but were going to do. their best not to make a habit of it. He wished the All Blacks au revoir . The manager, Mr Dean, replying, said he hoped the time was coming when the Dominions would be taken into confidence and given a say in Rtigbv football. He suggested a sort of Rugby imperial conference. Colonel Amery promised to do his best to visit New Zealand, and urged that they should not allow 20 years to elapse before the All Blacks revisited them. . Lord Lonsdale, in proposing the toast of the chairman, referred to the Brownlie incident, and emphasised that it was not a question of who was right or who was \yrong ; accidents • happened apparently against the regiilations of the game. All honour was due to the referee for saying what he believed to be honest. ■ Colonel Amery, in giving the toast “The land where the All Blacks grow,” said that they had not forgotten what they owed to the qualities of New Zealand as patriots and warriors. New Zealand had played her part worthily in the common interest of the Empire ever since she became a nation, and would become an even greater factor in the conduct of all affairs of the British Commonwealth. PRESENTATION OF GIFTS.

LONDON, Jan. 21. The Prince of Wales presented Nepia, for the New Zealand Rugby Union, with a bowl subscribed by New Zoalcindors in London, and inscribec~ with verses written by Pember Reeves, which are intended to be given when either cup is used in functions in New Zealand. —Reuter. Sir James Allen presented an inscribed loving cup at a purely New Zealand function at Hotel Victoria, Ladv Allen presented replicais of the cup to each member of the team, who also received a gold medal from Sir Arthur Myers. Sir James Allen replied. Mr S. S. Dean, in tile course of his reply to the Prince of Wales, referred to the titanic struggle in Australia and sympathised with England. Nobcdjv would he happier than the All Blacks if thev pulled the game out of the fire. Mr Porter, the captain, thanked Britain for a most enjoyable tour.—Reuter.