King Country Chronicle Tuesday, January 6, 1925. THE TOUR OF THE ALL BLACKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 2063, 6 January 1925, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Tuesday, January 6, 1925. THE TOUR OF THE ALL BLACKS.

Pie filial test match of the New Pffcl All Blacks team took place pturday, and this marks the closscene of a remarkably successful tour, which will do much to cement the bond of friendship between the Mother Country and this Dominion. In some quarters there has been some severe criticism on the play of the New Zealanders, but in the main, the British sportsman has given the New Zealand players generous credit for the splendid record they have put up in not being beaten in one match from the time they left these shores. The All Blacks have put up a brilliant record and one of which the whole Dominion can feel justly proud. It is very much a matter or regret that such an unpleasant incident should have occurred in the last match in England, when one of the New Zealand players was ordered off the field. While there is a wide difference of opinion as to whether the referee was justified, it is some satisfaction to have the opinion of the player who was responsible for the success of the Welsh team in 1905, when he states that the referee's action was a stigma on British sporting instincts. However, the English people have shown that they can appreciate good play, and right throughout have given our men a splendid reception. The love, of sport inherent in the the average Britisher, has been transmitted to the Dominons, and while there may be some who consider that too much time is devoted to sport, it would be a sorry world if wholesome and healthy recreation did not occupy some portion of our time. To be a true sportsman, a young man has. to school himself in the many attributes which he may be called upon to exercise in his after lifediscipline, fortitude, forbearance and perseverance must all be cultivated on the playing field. The indulgence in sport of various kinds has been an education to many who now occupy high positions in various walks of life, and also helped Britain in the great part she and her Dominions played in the Great War. The 1924 team worthily upheld the wonderful record of the 1905 team, and their performances will be cherished in this country for many years to come. Their tour is of more than ordinary importance—it is of Imperial significance. In the words of the late Secretary for the Colonies, Mr J. H. Thomas, it will increase the affection of the Motherland for her offspring, and this is very desirable when the feeling is so strong to bind the Empire together by the strongest possible bonds. The All Blacks have earned the appreciation of their opponents. In the national game of this country they have maintained the honour of the Dominion. It would be impossible for them to do this unless they had "played the game" in every sense of the phrase.