DEPARTURE FOR AUSTRALIA.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 162, 13 July 1903, Page 4

DEPARTURE FOR AUSTRALIA.

Wellington, July 12.

The New Zealand and Wellington Rugby Unions entertained the New Zealand football team at dinner last night prior to their departure for Australia. There was a large attendance of supporters of the game. Mr 6. F. C. Campbell, President of the New Zealand Eugby Union, was in the chair, and amongst the guests were Mr Seddon, Sir J. Ward, Messrs Massey, Jas. Allen, and Buchanan, M's.H R,

Mr Seddon responded to the toast of the Parliament of New Zealand, and wished the team every success.

Sir J. Ward, in proposing the toast of the New Zealand Team, said the game they had witnessed that after* noon could not be taken as any criterion of the abilities of the men.

Mr A. C. Norris, manager of the team, in replying, expressed the opinion that the team was the best all round combination that had ever left the Colony.

The Moeraki left shortly after 8 p.m. in the teeth of a heavy southerly gale and torrents of rain. A large crowd gave the men an enthusiastic send off.

J. Duncan has been elected captain of the team and M, Wood vice-captain. R. McGregor was chosen as the third man to act with the captain and the manager as the Selection Committee. The injuries sustained by J. Spencer and Wallace were not of a serious character, and they were able to ac company the team.