WALLABIES DEPART.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 10

WALLABIES DEPART.

VERY POPULAR TEAM.

CAPTAIN REMAINS BEHIND.

PLAYING IN AUCKLAND TO-DAY.

The great popularity enjoyed by the Wallabies during their New Zealand tour was fully evidenced by the large gathering at Prince's Wharf yesterday afternoon to bid them farewell on their departure for Sydney by the Maunganui. Prior to their departure a farewell was given at the Hotel Cargen by a gathering of Rugby enthusiasts.

Mr. H. Leilh, representing the New Zealand Rugby Union, said the Wallabies were one of the finest teams which had ever visited New Zealand, and there had not been a single complaint from any quarter during their six weeks' tour. Mr. G. T. B. Palmer, manager, expressed the appreciation of the team for the wonderful hospitality extended everywhere in New Zealand, and said the tourists were leaving with a twinge of regret. None of the members would ever forget the treatment they had receivfid and all were anxious to visit New Zealand again. Mr. S. J. Malcolm, captain of the team, endorsed the remarks of the manager. Brief farewell speeches were also made by Mr. 11. Frost, chairman of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union, the president, Mr. J. Aineil, and the vice-presidents, Messrs. M. Sheahan and. J. Olsen.

An unusual development with regard tf> the tour of the Wallabies is the fact that Malcolm, the brilliant halfback and captain of the team, will be seen in action in a club competition of the Auckland Rugby Union this afternoon. Malcolm will play at halfback for the Mairukau Club against Crammar Old Boys in the principal Rugby fixture in the knockout competition at Eden Park this afternoon. Although Grammar Old Boys won the senior championship, the presence of Malcolm is sure to create considerable interest and the task of the champion team will therefore be much harder in the match to-day.