DOMINION TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23406, 24 July 1939, Page 16

DOMINION TEAM

AUCKLAND MEMBERS FAREWELL AT vCARLAW PARK SOME PRESENTATIONS MADE Carlaw Park was tire scene of an impressive demonstration on Saturday afternoon l>v players auul officials of the Aucklnd Itu«l»y League, as " seinbled to bid farewell \t<> the Auckland members of the New Zealand team, which leaves for England and France on Thursday. The gathering was unique and the enthusiasm 1 shown by clubs and spectators in the massed parade was a memorable feature. The strength of the League code wis represented in full force, particularly the schoolboys, who marched in playing attire and formed the huge letters N.Z. iii the background. • The teams paraded in uniforms or club colours, among the best being the Point Chevalier Club teams, which marched really well and carried a banner expressing wishes for the success of the Now Zealand team on its tour. Members or the New Zealand team assembled in front of the grandstand and a loud-speaker system was used to carry the farewell messages of a dozen speakers. The Ponsonby Boys' Band played music at intervals and led the parade. \ featnro of the occasion was the dedication in Maori of the New Zealand ensign and the ceremony was carried out by Mr. T. P. Kewene, on behalf of the Maori Control Board. The address was interpreted by Mr. P. K. Paikea, M.P. for the Northern Maori district, as an incantation of guidance and blessing to the team when abroad. The nag was presented to the co-managers, Messrs. J. A Redwood and G. Grey Campbell, and will be flown at Beechwood House. Harrogate, in Yorkshire. Mr. E J. Phelan, deputy-chairman of the Auckland Rugby League, said the magnificent display spoke eloquently of the hearty good wishes which went to the players and managers for their tour. He impressed upon the players the need to do honour to New Zealand both on and off the field. Mr. H. Wilson, deputy-chairman of the New Zealand Council, said he was confident the team would overcome the many difficulties to be encountered and enhance the reputation of the League by its successes on the playing fields. Messrs. J. A. Redwood and' G. Grey Campbell acknowledged tho warmth of the farewell.

Presentations were made by Mr. It. Newport,'on behalf of the Primary Schools' Board, to V. Scott, A. Mclnnarne.v and L. D. Mills', members of the New Zealand team, who hrst played the code as schoolboys and had gained the highest honours. Mr. .7. F. W. Dickson presented a gold medal to ,T. Hemi, as the most sportsmanlike player in the senior grade. In conclusion. Mr. J. A. Lee. M.P., president of the Auckland Rugby League, led the singing of "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows," and Nepia and other Maori players concluded, a picturesque ceremony with the singing of "Till We Meet Again."

PRESENTATION TO SOLOMON • Members of the despatch department of the Farmers' Trading Company, Limited, presented D. Solom-jn, the former All Black who will shortly be leaving with the New Zealand League team to tour Great Britain and France, with a travelling rug. On behalf of the staff, Mr. F. T McAnen.v congratulated Solomon on his selection and wished the team every success on the tour. The married men of the staff also gave Solomon a hot-water bag.