VISITING CRICKETERS

Southland Times, Issue 19172, 16 February 1924, Page 13

VISITING CRICKETERS

N S W. TEAM IN DUNEDIN. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, February 14. A civic reception was tendered the New South Wales cricketers at the Town Hall to-night. There was a large attendance, the Mayor. Mr H. L. Tapley, presiding. The chairman extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. They all felt, he said that the visit of the team would stimulate the game in New Zealand and would be of great educational value. The Prime Minister and the Hon. W. Downie Stewart were present. Mr Massey, on rising to speak, was greeted with cheers and the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” He thanked them for their hearty welcome and stated he was very glad to be present to help welcome the visitors from New South Wales. Mr J. J. Clark and Hon Downie Stewart also spoke. Mr C. B. Cochrane, manager of the visiting team, said that they felt flattered in receiving such a cordial welcome. Mr C. J. Macartney, the captain, said he was surprised to note the improvement in the game in the Dominion as shown by the display of the Wellington players. The visitors were out to do all they could to help the game in the Dominion. He congratulated Otago on the fine stand made against Wellington in the Plunket Shield match. The Australians looked on New Zealand as a fine training grounds for prospective international players. The wickets were similar to those in England, and enabled an idea to be formed of how Australian players would shape on English wickets. The latter required more back play, whereas the Australian wickets required forward play.