DOMINION CRICKETERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20863, 4 May 1931, Page 9

DOMINION CRICKETERS.

WARM WELCOME AT HOME

SPORTSMEN'S LUNCHEON. INTEREST IN THE TOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. May 1. A notable reception was given to the New Zealand cricketers by the. British Sportsmen's Club at a luncheon in the Savoy Hotel to-day. Lord Harris presided. Others present were:—Earl Jellieoe, Viscount Plumer, the fVcrctary of State for the Dominions, Mr. J. H. Thomas; Sir Ky nasi on Studd, the High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Wilford ; Sir Malcolm Campbell, Mr. A. P. Chapman, Mr. W. W. Wakefield and prominent personalities representing all branches of British sport. In proposing the toast of tlic visitors the chairman said New Zealand recently suffered a terrible catastrophe but faced it with tho utmost courage. Britain's admiration was added to her welcome.

The previous team's plnv had encouraged the, belief that England had foemen worthy of her steel. Lord Harris wished the team all the success they deserved and said they deserved a good deal. Mr. Thomas said he was delighted to express a welcome, to (he team on behalf of the Government. Nobody was more determined to maintain the best traditions of the British race than the New Zealand citizen.

In returning thanks tlie captain of the learn, Mr. T. C. Lowry, said the diflicultics of financing tlx? lour were overcome entirely through the enthusiasm of New Zealand spoilsmen. 1 The royal welcome accorded to them was a prologue to what he was sure would he an enjoyable

Mr. Chapman said that if the visitors won the test match it would mean an immense amount of good to cricket. All the members of the team practised at Lords this afternoon. The players generally were content to " loosen up."