‘Should Be Proud Of All Blacks'

Northern Advocate, 3 November 1949, Page 5

‘Should Be Proud Of All Blacks'

Former Mayor Of

Capetown Says . . ,

AUCKLAND, Thu. (Sp.)—“New Zealand should be proud of the All Blacks and, if the young men who comprised the side that toured South Africa represent a cross-section of the community, then this country is turning out good men,” said Mr H. E. Gearing, former Mayor of Capetown, in Auckland today. Mr Gearing, who is on a Dominion tour with his wife, said he had been watching Rugby for nearly 40 years.

He saw the first test and three matches the All Blacks had played in his country. He emphatically denied reports of incidents on the field. “You will always see glimpses on the field of what you think is rough play, but that is not peculiar to any country. You will see that in any club game in any country any Saturday afternoon,” said Mr Gearing. “Rugby is not a game for young ladies, to be played in a drawingroom; it is a tough game for young men at the height of manhood. SOON FORGOTTEN "Occasional displays of temper are thought nothing more of by the players when the game is finished. “They are all over in a few seconds.” Mr Gearing said the All Blacks were popular wherever they went. “Everyone was charmed with them, and I, personally, am happy to have made several good friends among them,” he said. “Fred Allen and Boggs both looked me up in Auckland. They and their team mates are fine boys.”