AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18198, 19 March 1921, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS

CIVIO RECEPTION. The 'ashing Australian cricketers, who reached Dunedin from Invercargill yesterday morning, were accorded a very enthusiastic civic reception in the Council Chambers at noon. The Mayor (Mr W. Begg) presided over a crowded gathering, including many councillors and thoroughly representative not only of cricketers of this and past generations, but of other athletic sports. The Mayor said they -were met to welcome their Australian cousins representing the great national game of cricket. The influence of that game upon national life and character had been most marked. It taught self-reliance, self-control, and physical endurance, qualities that were all of the utmost importance in after life in the building up of good citizenship. _ Ho referred to the pride they all felt in the great victories the Australians had gained against the formidable English representatives'. He trusted the visitors would be long spared to maintain the high standard of the time honoured game, and that they would thoroughly enjoy their visit, which was bound to give a great stimulus to the game here. Mr J. J. Clark (vice-president of the Otago Cricket Association), in the absence of the president (Mr Crosby Morris) welcomed the visitors on behalf of the association. The Australians, he said, had been referred to as our cousins, but in cricket be regarded them as brothers. _ It was now 43 years since the first Australian eleven played in this city, a team that included many famous players. Since that time we diad always had reason to regard the Australians as first rate sportsmen and good fellows. We hoped we would give them a good game and see them well extended, though we wore not egotistical enough to think we could beat them. He offered a special welcome to Mr Hansford, the captain, and Mr F. C. Raphael, chairmen of the New Zealand Cricket Council. Mr 11. Harris (president of the Rugby Football Union), on behalf of football and other kindred sports, welcomed the visitors, and referred to the very keen interest taken here in the Australian test matches. Ho congratulated the Cricket Association on its enterprise in securing a visit from the Australian cricketers, which would undoubtedly give a great stimulus to the game. Mr T. Howard (manager of the visiting team) expressed the pleasure of the Australians at being present and receiving such a kindly welcome. From the day they had landed they had received nothing but kindness. The team he had with him was a good team, a young > team, and quite equal to the average of cricket in Australia. He hoped the Otago men would rise to the occasion, and give them the best game of the tour. Mr V. Ransforcl (captain of the team) also briefly returned thanks for the reception. They honed their tour would be instruof’'jr V’id that the experience would bn r ,*rie of their young players whom tuny believed would represent Australia in future seasons. The gathering concluded with throe hearty cheers for the visitors.