Singing Waratahs

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 194, 18 August 1936, Page 7

Singing Waratahs

Australian Rugby Team

Arrives

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME IN. AUCKLAND

Par Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. An enthusiastic civic reception was tendered to the Australian Rugby team which arrived aboard the Aorangi. The Mayor, Hon. Ernest Davis, extended a formal welcome on behalf of Auckland and New Zealand. Mr. R. J. Smith, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, said tihe occasion of the visit was considered in New Zealand to be most important. The visitors held the Bledisloe Cup and New Zealand wanted it back. New Zealand would do its best to do that, but if the Australians proved better then New Zealand would be pleased to send it back with them. Mr. H. Frost, president of the Auckland Rugby Union, said tihat the Australians at the present time might be termed the Rugby champions of the Pacific. In the games to be, all hoped to see something from which the country might learn. ‘ ‘ I am certain the whole team knows this welcome comes from the bottom of your hearts,” said the manager of the team, Mr, C. Shaw. "The team is young and wants to leave the country with the name of sportsmen. We do not mind about the cup,” he said. "We want the public here to see how we in Australia consider the game should be played.” He promised that the play would be open and fast and he added: “We are not going to worry whether you eat our oranges or we eat your potatoes.” "Wc have all heard of your reputation as sportsmen,” said Mr. S. Hayes, captain of the team. "Wo have heard that you know how to win or to lose. We hope to give you plenty of practice at the latter.”

If, was at this stage that the Mayor asked the team to sing. There was a little pause and then the team rose as a man. They justified their reputation as singers. In fact those passing on the street outside might have been justified in wondering what was happening within. First they sang "L’Alouettc,” a French-Canadian song and as an encore, "The Wallabies Are Happy. ’ ’ After the reception the team was entertained in tho Mayor’s room. Mr. Davis was presented with a, Waratah badge and the team sang "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”