ALL BLACKS' TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 13

ALL BLACKS' TOUR.

STRENUOUS DAYS FOR TEAM. " A VERY HAPPY PARTY." TRIBUTE TO HOSPITALITY. [BX TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Tho management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met this evening, Mr. S. S. Dean, presiding.

Mr. W. Hornig, manager of the. All Black team which visited South Africa, presented his report. 110 said tho team arrived at Durban on May 23, receiving a wonderful reception. Capetown was reached by rail on May 28. The first match, played three days afier arrival, was against a much stronger team than expected, while the succeeding match against tho Western Province town team was ono of tho hardest in the itinerary. These hard matches, coupled with very strenuous train travelling were responsible for lack of form and it was several weeks before the team really showed anything liko New Zealand form. The change of altitude during the tour was a big factor, several of the team being very badly affected by high altitude, bleeding at tho nose and suffering in the lungs and throat. The slightest exertion mado ono feel tired. Tho All Blacks found tho various teams very strong, particularly in tho forwards, and with one or two exceptions, the best available team had to be fielded. Tho result was that 6omo of the players were showing signs of staleness before the tour was completed. It was invariably found that tho team did not show anything liko true form when played within threo days after a long train journey. There was an epidemic of influenza among members of the team early in the tour. Hotel accommodation on the whole was excellent. Praise was given Mr. D. H. Magennis, tho South African board's representative who toured with the team. Tho grounds wero not as hard as expected, most of them being well turfed and others being watered and softened. Mr. Hornig stated ho made it quite clear on arrival in South Africa that the New Zealand team would havo to accept the rulings of the South African referees. The tour in South Africa was treated as an affair of national importance. The conduct of tho team, said the manager, was excellent from start to finish. Tho players were a credit to New Zealand, wero popular with everyono and wero a very happy party. There was not tho slightest sign of dissension occurring to mar a very memorable and strenuous tour. Tho team left Capetown on September 7 after travelling over 7000 miles by train and nearly 2000 by motor-car.

Mr. Dean moved that the report be received and tho manager be thanked for it. Ho considered Mr. Hornig was wrong when ho stated that the conference between tho New Zealand and English Unions in 1924 had been abortive. Ihe New Zealand Union had a great deal to thank tho English Union for. If it bad any grievance it was against tho Scottish and Irish Unions and the International Rugby Board. Tho motion to receive the report and thank the manager for it was carried. On the motion of Mr. Dean it was decided to thank tho South African Board for tho hospitality extended to tho New Zealand team on the tour.