PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE TO TEAM’S FINE SPORTSMANSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27212, 15 October 1949, Page 8

PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE TO TEAM’S FINE SPORTSMANSHIP

PA WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Welcoming the team at a parliamentary reception this afternoon, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, said the people of the Dominion were proud of the team’s play, conduct, and the impression they had made. “We are just as proud of you—and indeed prouder—than if you came back winning all the tests, because it takes real sportsm'en to accept defeat as you did.” % He said he could not help noting that the All Blacks scored more tries than their opponents and he had very definite opinions on the value of tries as-against penalties. Mr Fraser referred to the difficulties of climate and altitudes, but, eliminating all difficulties, the All Blacks had fought like true sportsmen and the New Zea- / landers’ tour had been followed in this x country with extraordinary interest. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, said the team had proven in victory and defeat that they were worthy representatives of New Zealand. Replying, Mr J. H. Parker, manager of the team, said he had had the privilege of managing the finest crowd of boys it would ne. possible to get together. The All Blacks were beaten and they congratulated the South Africans on their victories. As far as he was concerned that was all there was to-it. The All Blacks had a pack of forwards which had never been excelled in New Zealand, and the Springboks admitted that the New Zealand backs were their superiors. In 18 of the 24 games the New Zealand line had not been crossed. Mr Parker emphasised that relations between the team members had been always happy.