PLAYERS DEPART

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23409, 27 July 1939, Page 11

PLAYERS DEPART

LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS FAREWELL AT THE STATION LEAVE WELLINGTON TO-DAY The 18 Auckland members of the New Zealand Rugby 'League team, en route to England, and one of the managers; Mr. J. A. Redwood,, were accorded an enthusiastic farewell at the railway station yesterday afternoon, when several hundred friends gathered to wish the players boil voyage and a safe return. Long before the train departed, the reserved carriages on tho express wuxe besieged w:t,h wellwishers, among whom women were predominant.

Mr. H. Wilson, deputy-chairman of the Now Zealand Rugby League, and Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the Auckland League, were present, and wished the team saccess in Linglond. Special messages were conveyed from many of the clubs. Just before the Maori members of the team boarded the train, a party, led by G. Nepia, sang a farewell song. Mr. T. A. McClymont, one of the New Zealand selectors, accompanied the party to Wellington. The team, which will be absent from New Zealand for nearly six months, leaves Wellington this Afternoon by the Rangitiki.

Mr. R. Doble, who was appointed co-manager on L'uesdav evening in place of Mr. G. Grey Campbell, left by the limited express last evening and will depart with t'.'.c- team to-day. He was fare welled at the station by members of the New Zealand Council, the Auckland League and friends.

THE NEW MANAGER MR. R. DOBLE HONOURED SOME PRESENTATIONS MADE CONTRADICTION OF RUMOURS Officials of the New Zealand and AucKland Leagues met at. short notice yesterday to" honour Mr. Doble, who had replaced Mr. Grey Campbell as one of the managers of the New Zealand team. Stating that there were certain unique features about this tour, Mr. Campbell said that the preparations for the departure of the New Zealand team and his own withdrawal as manager, owing to ill-health, appeared to have touched public imagination. They were all pleased that Mr. Doble had been appointed and also that he was able to leave with the team.

In presenting Mr. Doble with two substantial suitcases, on behalf of the Auckland Rugby League and its supporters, the speaker said Mr. Doble had had a. wider experience in sport than most people thought, having been a prominent cricketer in addition to his League football activities. The Auckland League felt sure Mr. Doble wduld" ccf-operate ably with Mr. Redwood to make the f tour a success. He carried - the; best: wishes elf host of ■friends.;;- v

' Mrs. Ivan • Gulpan, • for the Ladies' Social Committee, which Mr.• Doble has keenly supported; handed him an inscribed New Zealandrmade travelling rug.- ' ■■" : -' - - -

In calling upon Mr. H. Wilson, deputy-cliairman of the New Zealand Council. Mr. • Grey Campbell said he desired to contradict a number of rumours and state emphatically and publicly that his withdrawal as manager was entirely his own' decision. He wished to acknowledge all messages of sympathy,- including those of members of the" council. • - V "

A presentation of a writing companion was made to Mr. Doble by Mr. Wilson on behalf of the council, tho speaker congratulating him upon the prompt arrangement for his departure with tho team.

Acknowledging tho tributes, Mr. Doble said he would do his best to be worthy of tho trust reposed in him. He thought lie and Mr. Redwood would work well together. He greatly regretted the withdrawal of Mr. Campbell, who, would , have been an ideal manager.

PLAYERS ENTERTAINED MORNING TEA FUNCTION The Auckland members and managers of the New Zealand team weie entertained at morning tea yesterday by the directors of Messrs. George Court and Sons, Limited, a feature of the gathering being an inspiring message delivered by tho Rev. W. N. Panapa, on behalf of the Maori Control Board.

A hearty welcome' was extended to the team by Mr. J. A. Court, who said ho was pleased to bo associated with other speakers in wishing tho players farewell and a pleasant trip. Mr. J. A. Redwood, one of the managers, expressed thanks to Messrs. Court and Sons for their generosity in entertaining the team, and their good s'H'v ice; in outfitting- tho players. Mr. G. Grey Campbell nlso spoke, and 011 behalf of the Auckland Rugby League wished the team well. He hoped the pliytrs would give e\ery assistance to Mr. Doble, who had been selected in his stead.

Led by the Rev. Panapa, the Maor members of tho team gavo a spirited haka.

Expressions of goodwill were also made by Messrs. J. Smith and T. G. Symonds, on behalf of Messrs. George Court and Sons, and an assurance that the team would do well in England was given b\ the vice-captain, li. Banham.