THE RUGBY TOURISTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 221, 14 August 1930, Page 2

THE RUGBY TOURISTS.

BRITISH TEAM FAREWELLED. PRESENTATION BY PREMIER. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Augi 14. , The British Rugby team was farewelled on behalf of the Government at a pleasant function in the social room of Parliament House this morning. The manager, Mr Baxter, and the captain, Mr F. D. Prentice, were presented by the Premier, Hon. G. W. Forbes, with bound volumes of scenic views of the Dominion as a memento of the visit Mr Forbes said that when the team came to New Zealand they were certain of a warm welcome and they must have been surprised at the enthusiasm with which they had been greeted from the North Cape to the Bluff. The sporting Vay in which the team -had taken their wins and their losses had made a fine impression. After all, football was only a game and what told more than wine or points scored was the manner in which it was played. They had shown the true sporting spirit. He felt sure that the New Zealand players also had been inspired by the same spirit and that they left the field with a feeling of the greatest admiration for their opponents. He expressed pleasure at having the opportunity of meeting the members of the team and assured them they would leave behind a reputation of which they might well feel proud. He expressed wishes for a fine trip to Australia, good games and a safe return Home. Mr Baxter expressed the regret of the team at their departure. If in their short visit they had done anything towards cementing good relationships they were very proud. They would return to the Homeland with very happy thoughts of New Zealand. Mr Prentice said they had had a very happy time and honestly felt very much their departure from this beautiful country. They had tried to play the game both on and off the field and he thought they had succeeded (Hear 1 Hear!). Most of them were leaving a good deal of their hearts behind.