OTAGO ALL BLACKS IN HIGH SPIRITS FOR THE LAST LAP HOME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27212, 15 October 1949, Page 6

OTAGO ALL BLACKS IN HIGH SPIRITS FOR THE LAST LAP HOME

Special Correspondent WELLINGTON, Oct. 14.* ‘ All the Otago players were in high spirits for their last lap home by the inter-island steamer express to-night. From the attention they received it seemed tliat no one was without a wife, fiancee, or near relative in Wellington. Among the many to welcome them was the chairman of the Management Committee of the Otago Rugby Union, Mr R. W. S. Botting, who assured them that the Ranfurly Shield was still safely in Dunedin. Although many may change their minds before the season begins, it appears that the present intention of all the Otago players is to turn out next year. J. C. Kearney was conspicuous at the New Zealand Rugby Union welcome late to-day by the presence of his attractive wife and equally attractive three-year-old (fair-headed) daughter. He held the child fondly as “Now is the Hour” ended the reception. The next minute he was talking to a friend when the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, spoke to his daughter and stretched out his hand to shake hands with Kearney, but Kearney was so engrossed in his conversation that after Mr Fraser’s third attempt to attract his attention, Mrs Kearney tapped her husband to acknowledge the Prime Ministers attention.

“Why, hullo Mr Fraser, how are you? ’ Kearney greeted him, with the friendliness of an old school mate. Mr Fraser was also warm. “How’s things? Everything 0.K.” were Kearney’s next remarks. The Otago All Black, Dr R. R. Elvidge, gained • plenty of practical experience in his profession while on the tour. Elvidge always had his medical bag nearby throughout the tour, and the players to-day spoke highly of his prowess and referred to his assistance in the Rhodesian train smash. His father, Mr J. Elvidge, who toured with the team, said Ron had been consistently attending to injuries and sicknesses and diagnosing the complaints of his team-mates. Elvidge has a year ahead to “ walk the wards.” After that, he may go to Britain for advanced study before settling into practice. (