ALL BLACKS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 January 1925, Page 4

ALL BLACKS.

LEAA r E FOR HOME. « TRIBUTES TO THE TEAM. BV CAUJ.E—PBSSS ASSOCIATION—COPYSIGITJ . LONDON, Jan. 24. There were very lively scenes when the All Blacks took their departure from Euston station to-day for New Zealand. Women presented the team with an All Black doll mascot, and each of the team with a. sprig of heather. There were some affectionate goodbyes. One player was so deeply engrossed in this ceremony that ne had to climb in by a window of the moving train, from which the team gave its war-cry. The manager of the team (Mr S. S. Dean), in the course of an interview, said the hardest game of the tour was against Oxford. He sincerely hoped an, All British team would come out to Australia next year, where it would do incalculable, good to the Australian game. The team was deeply impressed with the magnificent treatment in Britain. ' . Mr. Don (president of the British Rugby Union) accompanied the team to Liverpool for a final farewell. Sporting Life, in farwelling the All Blacks, says: “We never can forget the two Brownlies. Both are comparable to Charles Seeling, the greatest forward of all time. We may never again see the like of Nepia, one of the most extraordinary backs, or Richardson, who is the personification of consistency. “But we shall always remember them. Each has written his name in imperishable letters on the history of the game. AVhen in the future we desire to compliment any of our players we shall compare then to tli© Brownlies, Nepia, Mark Nicliolls, Richardson, and Cooke.” . -

The All Blacks attended a private screening of a composite film showing their games. They immensely enjoyed the revelation of incidents overlooked during the stress of play. They were especially amused at the slow motion picture of themselves. Before their departure from Lonon, Mr. C. G. Porter (captain of the All Blacks) and Mr. S. S. Dean (manager) sent a message to the secretary of the Fellowship of the British Empire Exhibition as follows: “The captain and members of the All Blacks, at the conclusion of their tour of Britain, in which they had the happiest experience of the friendly family feeling existing in the Empire,)wish good luck to the Fellowship of the British Empire Exhibition. May you score your goal of establishing fellowship in every part of the Empire.” On arrival in Canada the All Blacks will be shepherded to the" Pacific, and will probablv play three matchts in Vancouver. Victoria. Efforts are being made to fix up another match in San Francisco. Interviewed prior to the departure o£ the team, one member declared that British Rugby was not so strong as was expected. Nevertheless they had been greatly attracted by the British forwards: The team paid the highest praise to British hospitality. They had had a glorious tour, but were, nevertheless, happy to he going home. On behalf of the All Blacks Mr.. S. Dean this afternoon presented Brigadier. Kentish with a large photograph of the team, autographed by every plaver, as a token of their appreciation of his work on their behalf. The Prince of AVales, in accordance with his promise at the luncheon, on AVeanesday. autographed about .thirty menus of the luncheon sent to 'him at St. James’ Palace by members of the team.—Reuter.