ALL BLACKS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 March 1925, Page 9

ALL BLACKS

YuMubidcb WELCOME

AT WELLINGTON TOWN HALL

Ol i‘i ZENS MOST DEMONS'I RAT J.\’.l

tBV TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION. YV'-ItILLIISiiGTON, March, 17. Long before noon the Town Flail was crowded with citizens waiting to extend titleii- formal welcome to tne team.

Promptly aifa twelve o’clock the members of the team were escorted, to the platform by the Mayor, Mr. Wight, and other officials. Hearty cheering broke out and continued till ail were seated. It was a thunderous welcome, cheering, haud-ciappiiig and shouting friendiy wishes. yVeilington people are not as a rule demonstrative, but to-day they turned over a new ipage and let themselves, go. “See the Conquering Hero Comes'’ upon the grand oigan fn fortissimo' was simply drowned in the tumult of ' welcome. Throughout the welcome was of the happiest nature, and the gathering was ready to laugh, and more than ready to burst again into cheering and applause. The Mayor formally bid welcome on behalf of ail the citizens, and referred to them as the champions of the world, whose record might be equalled, but never excelled. The demeanour of the team on and off the field was always that of gentlemen, and they had added to the magnificent name New Zealand established by the force*. Ha spoke also of the' .lighter Adventures of the. team. The cheering turned to laughter when 'he recounted the bad luck of Mr. Dean, who was kissed by the Mayor of Toulou.se while Porter was kissed by his daughter. Sir Francis Bell, representing the Government, said that they hud succeeded became they deserved success. They had carried victory as well as England carried defeat, AH. T. Ivi. AYkford, Leader of the Opposition, suggested that the name slum Id be changed. Many overseas people did not understand the significance of the AIU Blacks and draw a wrong conclusion. Mr. A. L. Moiiiteith, in che absence, of Mr. Holland, «said that the selectors’ judgment was amply justified. They could feel proud of their work. Mr. H. Frost, president, of the New Zealand Union, extended a welcome on behialf of New Zealand footballers a,nd sportsmen, generally. Replying, 'Mr. Dean said that they were determined to endeavour to do better than the 1905 team, and they were very proud that, they had gone through undefeated. The men made it a- point'"of honour to lonic after themselves and had behaved splendidly throughout. England had been, defeated, but was not going to make it a habit. He 'believed that the tour had done nmdi to cement the bonds of Empiie. All were tired of travel and the strain of the tour. Porter, the captain, thanked the audience for their welcome, and said they were glad to be bank again, Success iva® clue to the manner in which the- team, looked after itself. T.t was always easier to decide who should play than who should stay out. fn conclusion, Nepia led a haka and the gathering burst into applause and cheering again.