BRITISH FOOTBALLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13813, 28 July 1908, Page 6

BRITISH FOOTBALLERS.

THE TEAM FAREWELLED.

DEPARTURE FOR AUSTRALIA

Yesterday afternoon, prior to the departure of the British footballers by the 8.6. Victoria for Sydney, the New Zealand

Rugby Union officials entertained them at the Central Hotel. Mr. Geo. Dixon, of the New Zealand Union, presided, and pro-

posed the toast of "The British Football Team," wishing them a pleasant trip through Australia and thence Home. Mr. N. Galbraith, treasurer of the New Zealand Union, also referred to the regret they all felt at the departure of such good sports-

men. Mr. Harnett briefly responded on behalf of the team.

Mr. D. Gallaher, on behalf of the New Zealand team which played in the third test match last Saturday, presented Mr. A. F. Harding, captain of the British team, with a gold cigarette case, as a token of the esteem in which the New Zealand team held the captain of the visitors. Captain Harding suitably acknowledged the gift, and the members of his team were most appreciative in their recognition of the honour done to their captain. Mr. M. J. Sheahan, chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union, also wished the British footballers bon voyage.

Just prior to the sailing of the Victoria for Sydney last evening a representative of the Herald had a farewell chat with Mr. Geo. Harnett, manager of the British team. Mr. Harnett's bonhomie has been quite a feature of the tour throughout the Dominion, his genial manner making him popular with all. "I don't like to say good-bye to such good fellows as I have met throughout New Zealand," said Mr. Harnett. " I may come • back to your country and settle in a farming district. One matter I would like to mention before I go, and that is the fine service on the beautiful Wanganui River. It is a service to be proud of, but I would like to add a warning against the desecration of such a magnificent national beauty spot by the depletion of the wood on the hills near the river. If Ido not come back, I shall always remember my visit to your wonderful country as one of the most pleasant experiences, of my life. I shall tell the people at Home that a trip to New Zealand is well worth while, both for sportsmen and for tourists."

H. H. Vassal], one ot the members of the British football team, missed the boat to Sydney last evening. Vassall will' leave for Wellington, en route to Sydney, tomorrow, to join the steamer leaving" there on Friday. He will not reach Sydney until Tuesday next, thus missing the* first game in Australia. The takings at the third test match on Saturday amounted, approximately, ■to £1005. "

The remainder of the Southern members of the New Zealand football team left for their homes yesterday, Messrs. Deans, Mitchinson, Wilson, and Hunter by the overland route, and Messrs. Column," Patterson, and Cameron- by the West Coast steamer.