NEPIA CATCHES ROYAL EYE

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2560, 18 December 1924, Page 7

NEPIA CATCHES ROYAL EYE

ANGELS IN BLACK JERSEYS. MR DEAN LEARNS HIS LESSON WELL. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] tAust. and N.Z Cable Association.] (Received Wednesday, 5.40 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 16. Prominent members of the Olympic Association entertained several All Blacks at luncheon. General Kentist described the All Blades as the evangels of the Rugby world. They behaved like angels on and off the field and their extraordinary prowess had amazed everybody. There had been overmuch criticism and too little eulogy of the finer side. The All Blacks had attracted thousands everywhere and they had not lest one iota of their fair name which was worth all the victories i'n the world.

Air S. S. Dean said he refused to reply to criticism. It would not bene, fit Rugby, and ‘‘the least said the soonest mended.”

Sir James and Lady Allen gave a reception and dance in honour of the All Blacks at the Great Central Hotel. Fifteen hundred guests were present, including most resident New Zealanders, officials of the Rugby Unions of the London teams, and many notable players.

King George sat with Sir James Allen at Saturday’s match, at which his Majesty revealed that he possessed a complete knowledge of Rugby. He picked out Individual All Blacks and was particularly taken with the physique and fine play of Nepia.