RUGBY DINNER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22167, 22 July 1935, Page 16

RUGBY DINNER

AUCKLAND'S JILL BLACKS PRESENTATIONS FROM UNION SPIRIT OF PROMINENT PLAYER A farewell dinner was tendered by the Auckland Eugliy Union at the Hotel Cargen on Saturday evening to the Auckland representatives who gained places in the All Black team, which leaves Wellington for its tour of Great Britain next week. Mr. V. .ft. Meredith, who will manage the New Zealand „team, was also a guest. There was a large and representative gathering of ofßcials of the Auckland Union and of the various clubs affiliated to it.

Mr. H. Frost, presiident of the union, occupied the chair a:ad, after the loyal toast, had been honoured, he proposed the healths of the numbers of the touring party. In doing so he gave some interesting statistics regarding previous tours by All Black teams. He said it was 51 years since the first All Black team went to Australia, and during that time New ZeiJand teams had played 251 matches, of which 21S had been won, 26 lost aiad seven drawn.

Beferring to the present 111 Black team, Mr. Frost said, it reflected every credit upon the selectors and upon New Zealand. Those who had been left out had shown a splendid spirit, while the fortunate ones would hare the trip of a lifetime. It was fortunate that the team was going to be managed by a Tnan of the calibre of Mr. Meredith. Responsibility IJpon Players

Mr. F. W. Lucas, a member of the 1924 All Black team, said the players about to depart had a great responsibility in seeing that they behaved themselves in a gentlemanly manner. Mr. S. Hadley, irho toured South Africa with tie 1928 All Blacks,, tendered some sound advice when he urced the players to pay (strict attention to training, which, he iiaid, would be the hardest part of the tour. The team did not know how fortunate it was in having as its manager Mr. Meredith, who understood just how much fun and relaxation was necessary for a party of footballers.

Mr. Meredith said this team was following in the footsteps of some very great sides. It was going to play harder matches than former teams and might not be able to achieve-the same success. However, the players were going to do their best to play attractive football, and show that the pame to-day is still played as it should be. Preference to Another Referring to the selectors' position. Mr. Meredith said thiis was the saddest part of the tour, as so many fine fellows, well qualified and right up to standard, had to be left behind. Yet the 'selectors had be<.'n called upon to make this decision. To show what sportsmanship had hnjen displayed MrMeredith stated thai, one prominent player had approached the selectors and said: "I am going to be married, and, if it' comes to a closet thing, leave me out of consideration and give the preference to the other chap." When the speaker said he referflfed to R. G. Steere. of Wangancri, there was an outburst of loud applause. That was only one instance, and the selectors had never heard a single murmur from players omitted. He hoped their time would come later on. In conclusion, Mr. Meredith said he trusted that the welcome home to the team would be just as warm as the farewell functions were proving. Mr. Frost than ! banded diaries to Mr. Meredith and to C. S. Pepper. H. McLean, T. IL C. Cauchey, H. X. Brown, W. Hadley and D. Solomon. The seventh Aucklander, M. X. Corner, was unavoidably absimt. On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to foncard a message of sympathy to Mr. G. lEL Dixon, manager of the 1905 AH Blacks, as he was too ill to be present at the function. The gathering teiminated with the grngrng; of "Aukl Lang Syne" and a Terse of the National Anthem. ASSEMBLING- 0* TEAM FUNCTIONS PRIOR TO LEAVING [BY TELEGRAPH —PjIESS ASSOCIATION 3 "VTELLISGTOIf, Sunday The All Blacks will assemble in Wellington to-morrow week and Jeavp bv the Rangitiki the following Wednesday. All of the dboseii players have passed the medical iiest. The acting-Prime Minister. Sir Alfred Ransom, will meet jlhe team at afternoon • tea in Parliament buildings tomorrow week. On the following morning the manager and pljffers wiiQ he the guests of the at Government House, and the s.ame evening there will he a farewell dinner at the Grand Hotel, pvea fay the New Zealand Rugby Uniom. j,