RETURN OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 813, 20 November 1878, Page 2

RETURN OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Auckland, Novomber 19,

The steamer chartered, on board of which were the leading Auckland citizens, met the mail steamer City of New York outside the North Head, and accompanied the mail boat to Queen-street wharf, where they landed. The baud played the team to the Northern Club, where a champagne spread had been prepared. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker presided.

In proposing the health of the team the chairman made a brilliant speech. He said though there were no New Zealand players in the team, the latter had our sympathy. Though not directly connected with the colonists here, one at least was indirectly so, as he remembered seeing at Hokianga, in the year 1552, Mr. Spoilbrth's father and mother courting. (Applause.) Mr. Whitaker, after dilating on the victorious performances of the team, alluded to the probable Australian combination for the purpose of defence, and the importance of cultivating unity. He concluded by reading a telegram received from Sir George Grey, the Premier of the C'olonj*, as follows:—"The arrival of the Australian Cricketers at Auckland gives me an opportunity of assuring them of the interest with which their successes in other parts of the world have been watched by the inhabitants of Xew Zealand, and of the great pleasure with which we welcome them to our shores.—(J. Ghky."

Mr. Gregory, the captain, responded for the team. When they were entertained by Mr. Brett, the Mayor, on their last departure from Auckland, they expressed their intention to play another game with Auckland. Init they were sorry they had not time. Mr. Gregory expressed the agreeable surprise of the team at their magnificent reception by the people of Auckland. Mr. Firth proposed the health of Mr. Conway, the manager of the team, who had successfully played on English and American soil, proving that the Britons in the antipodes lost none of their pluck, vigor, and ability, but were able to hold their own against Britons in the Mother Country. Mr. Isaacs supjiorted the toast. He knew Conway when a boy, bowling against the first English eleven that visited Australia.

.Mr. Conway, in responding, said the Auckland reception coulil not lie beaten in Australia. \Yhen pilot Burgess brought word of the welcome prepared, each cricketer Hashed profusely. Mr. Conway alluded to the Knglish speeches. On one occasion they wore addressed as Polynesians. He drew a happy sketch of 'lie ex-Mayor of New Zealand (meaning Mr. -Hurst, of Auckland), who embraced them as they met oil the ocean. If he got up another team he would endeavor to include several New Zealand players. lie concluded I>\ referring to their former good treatment at Auckland and the present cordial receptain. The team have also received a congratulatory letter from the Otacro cricketers.