FOOTBALL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8921, 9 September 1905, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND TEAM ARRIVES IN

ENGLAND

[press association.]

WELLINGTON, September 9. ." In the House early this morning, the Premier read a cablegram announcing that the New Zealand football team had arrived Home safe and well. -

THE MATCH AGAINST AUSTRALIAr

The Australian, footballers arrived by- the late train on Friday evening, and were met at the station by the Mayor (Mr Robbins)i several of the Rugby Union officiate and a large crowd of townspeople.. The reception was very enthusiastic. The Mayor, in making a few remarks, on behalf of the Tavanaki Union and the citizens of Hawera, said he could not unconditionally wish the Australians success" in their match, but be was very proud to welcome them, as he thought these intercolonial contests were the foundation/ of lasting friendships between the colonies, and a great benefit to athletics. The manager of the visiting combination. Mr Henderson, thanked the citizens and 'the Tnranaki Union through the Mayor and remarked that the treatment they~ had_ met with throughout the colony had been exceptionally kind and far exceeded their expectations. He said that the Australians in every match took the field to win, and kept that object in view throughout the game. He would not like to predict Buccess against so renowned a team as the TaTanaki team was, but he thought thatT the match would be a "ding dong ' go. ~ Cheers were called for the visitors - and lustily given, and the visitors returned the compliment in 1 a hearty manner and acheer for the Mayor conoluded the cere^ mony

The visitors were driven to the Central Hotel, and were joined at dinner by- the members of the Union.

In accordance with the wishes of the New Zealand Union nothing in the form of a banquet wa6 accorded them. The weather for the match ie not very promising. Heavy 'rain fell yesterday and throughout the night, and it has not yet cleared up. Notwithstanding thisp however, tne ground is expected to be in fair order. THE TEAMS. The visiting team will be :— Full-back, B. Smith: threequarters, S. Wickham (captain), L. Smith, A. P. Penman; five^ eighth, C. Russell; half-backa, M. Dare, F. Woods; forwards, A. Burden, J. darken, E. A. Oxdale, C. Murnin, W. Hirschberg, H. A. Judd, B. J. Swanraell and B. Lucas. The combined team, Taranaki and Wanganui, as selected is: — Full-back, Colman (Taranaki) ; threequarters, E. Burke, JHa-r-greaves (Taranaki), McDonald (Wanganui); five-eighth, Thomas (Taranaki) ; halfback, Forsyth (Taranaki); wing forwards, Guy, RotheTy (TaTanaki) ; forwards, Thompson, Murray, Guscott (Wanganui), Young, McKay, Ryan, Hamerton (Taranaki). It is doubtful whether the fore-" going selection will take the field. J. Thomas may not play and it is not certain that the Wanganni men selected will put in an appearanre. Mr Young, the Tara" naki selector, expected to complete his arrangements shortly after noon. The visiting team leaves by the -mail train en route for Auckland.