VISITING FOOTBALLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18131, 1 July 1922, Page 11

VISITING FOOTBALLERS.

AUSTRALIAN COMBINATION.

CIVIC WELCOME TENDERED.

TEAM TO VISIT ROTORUA.

»A civic reception to the Australian Association football representatives was tendered last evening in the City Council Chamber, which was filled by an enthusiastic audience of followers of the game. The Mayor, Mr. J. li. Gunson, said that he wished to accord on behalf of the citizens of Auckland a very cordial welcome to the team. He had had the pleasure, as Mayor, in ' welcoming many visiting teams. It was the wish of the citizens that no distinction should be shown to any particular division of athletics. All visiting athletes of repute were deserving of welcome from the citizens. The Mayor referred to the fact that the interests of Association football 'did not occupy the place that other codes held in Auckland, but it was controlled by citizens of the highest standing, and the prestige of the game was never higher in Auckland than at present. Referring to the enormous crowds that tho game attracted in Britain, he said that this popularity proved its merit, and he predicted a great future for it in Auckland and in New Zealand generally. The visitors would probably find the conditions vastly different here, as to climate and grounds. He understood that a large number of the visiting team came from Queensland, juid they. would therefore not feel quite so comfortable as to temperature. (Laughttir.) The Mayor congratulated the team on its good record so far on the tour. "You will find the Auckland public very impartial," he concluded. "They will recognise merit, no matter on which side shown, and I can assure you of a fair run." (Applause.) The Mayor then called.for three cheers for the visitors,

Mr. H. Graves, treasurer of the New Zealand Association Football Council, thanked the Auckland Association for its efforts in the past in promoting the interests of. the game. He paid a tribute to the jjross for the manner in -which it had assisted the game. He thought they should take a greater interest in teaching the game to the boys, and urged its introduction into the schools. He thanked the Rugby League for its use of Carlaw Park for next Saturday's match. Mr. D. A Williams, chairman of the Auckland Football Association, said the visit of the Australian team would give a great fillip to the game in Auckland. He stated that arrangements had been made for tho team to visit Rotorua, leaving Auckland on Sunday evening, and returning on Thursday, after playing South Auckland at Hamilton on Wednesday. Mr. A. Morgan, manager of the visiting team, said they were riot only welcomed, but had been made welcome. They had been looking forward particularly to the Auckland visit, realising they were coming to a climate mora like their own. He referred to the fine sporting spirit they had met with in New Zealand. This, he said, was the first international team in lie "soccer" code that.had ever left Australian shores.

Mr. A. Gibh, captain of the visitors, spoke briefly, his remark, " May the best team win," being greeted with applause.