DINNER TO TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22493, 10 August 1936, Page 12

DINNER TO TEAM

MAYOE'S GESTURE REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING VISITING PLAYERS PRAISED PROGRESS OF THE CODE There was a large and representative attendance at the sportsmen's dinner tendered at the Hotel Auckland 011 Saturday night by the Mayor of Auckland. Mr. Ernest Davis, in honour of the English Hugb.y League team. Several speakers eulogised the Mayor for his thought in bringing together such n band of sportsmen and for his hospitality. Members of the English team were praised for the sportsmanship they had shown on the. tour, both 011 and off the field.

In proposing the toast of the visitors, the Mayor .said that the gathering which had assembled to do honour to tho English [{ugby League team included outstanding representatives of every branch of sport and athletic activity in Auckland, as well as representatives of tho Government and of every phase of municipal life in the city. He had not had the opportunity of welcoming the visitors on their arrival in New Zealand, but that office had been discharged by the deputymayor, the Hon. B. Martin. ''l now meet you for the first time officially," said Mr. Davis, "and I ofler to you cordial greetings, accompanied by the hope that your stay in our midst lias boon of the happiest. In the test match 1 had the ciyibincd privilege and pleasure of seeing your side in action, and I was impressed with tho display. Your contact with New Zealand footballers has been to the good of tho League code in tho Dominion, and the benefits to be derived from it will prevail long after your sojourn in New Zealand has entered the storehouse of memory. As with that of other touring sides your visit has a deeper significance in its influence on the Empire fellowship which is one of our greatest heritages. For the remainder of your tour, as at the beginning, we wish you well, not only as kinsmen of the British Commonwealth of Nations, but as exponents of League football as it is played in the heart of the Empire. 'When you leave these shores our thoughts will travel with you along the ocean highways that lead to home."

Ambassadors ol Sport Mr. W. Poppelwell, co-manager of the English team, in reply, said that the touring party wore all proud to be the guests ol the Mayor. "A\ e came as of sport from England," said Mr. Poppelwell, "and L can assure you wo will return as ambassadors of tho great Empire which welds us all together. 1 am proud to be associated with a great set of plajcis and their conduct has been exemplary. Tho fact that no restriction lias been placed on the players speaks for itself. Wo have been unfortunate with regard to injuries, but 1 wish to make ft, quito cjear that theso are not duo to any rough play." Mr. Poppelwell paid a tribute to those who had made the tour possible, to tho New Zealand team on its displav, and to the late A. H. Baskerville, tho pioneer of the Rugby League game in New iScnlnnd nnci Austicuiti. Ho presented Mr. Davis and S. Watene, tho New Zealand captain, with medallions of the British Laon, on behalf of tho touring party. Mr. J. Brough, captain of the English team, expressed thanks for tho warmth of tho reception. Ho said that tho hospitality of New Zcalanders had far surpassed expectations, and was pleased to know that as the lcsult of tho tour the bonds of the Empire with Now Zealand and Australia would bo still further cemented. Improved Standard

In proposing the toast of the Now Zealand Rugby League and New Zealand team, Mr. 11. l'\ Anderton, comanager of the English team, congratulated the Dominion selectors oil their choico of players. He said that the standard in New Zealand was definitely better than that when ho toured here in 1932, and the gamo must progress if this standard was maintained. Mr. Anderton expressed regret that it was not possible to play a match against tho Maoris, and read a letter from tho Now Zealand Rugby League Board of Control thanking him for "his efforts to have tho match arranged. Mr. C. A. Sneddon, president of the New Zealand Rugby League, congratulated England 011 its victory, and said that it was very gratifying to the officials to see the New Zealand team play so well. It showed that in New Zealand there were players worthy of the world's best. He thanked the English League for its support and the Mayor for his hospitality. Mr. S. Watene said that the result of the match was a minor detail coinpared with the friendly rivalry and spirit in which it was played, in congratulating the winning team, he said that ho was particularly proud to load the New Zealand side. His captaincy was an added compliment to his raeo and a fine gesture which was greatly appreciated. He coy Id do 110 bet ter than state tho words of tho lato Sir James Carroll, Ta ton ta ton (We are all 0110 people). Keen Rivalry Beneficial Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister, and president of the Auckland Kugby League, in proposing tho toast of kindred sports, said that when ono considered football -v.as a hard gamp and the nature of the present contest*, he had not seen one incident to which exception could be taken irP tho three games ho had already witnessed. Keen rivalry made for gieat competition, which was beneficial to any branch of sport. Mr. A. A. Baker, chairman of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union, and Mr. W. R Fee, chairman of the management committee of the Auckland Cricket Association, in reply, hoped tho visitors would have many happy recollections of their present tour. Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the Auckland Uugby League, presented Mr. Davis with a football used in the test match, autographed by all present, as a mark of appreciation of his hospitality.