THE ALL BLACKS

Southland Times, Issue 19459, 26 January 1925, Page 6

THE ALL BLACKS

GOOD-BYE TO LONDON. LIVELY SCENES ENACTED. APPRECIATIVE PRESS COMMENT RICHARDSON EULOGISED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 24. (Received January 25, 5.5 p.m.) There were very lively scenes when the All Blacks took their departure from Euston Station en route for New Zealand. Women presented the team with an All Black doll mascot ad each player with a sprig of heather. There w’ere some affectionate goodbyes. One player became so deeply engrossed in this ceremony that he had to climb in by the window of the moving train, from which the team gave its war cry. Mr Dean, in the course of an interview, said that the hardest game of the tour was against Oxford. He sincerely hoped that an All British team would come out to Australia next year, where it would do incalculable good to the Australian game. The team were deeply impressed with the magnificent treatment in Britain. Mr Donne, President of the British Union, accompanied the team to Liverpool for the final farewell. Sporting Life, in farewelling the All Blacks, says: “We never can forget the two Brownlies. Both are comparable to Charles Seeling, the greatest forward of all time. We may never again see the like of Nepia, one of the most extraordinary backs, or Richardson, who vras the personification of consistency. We shall always remember them. Each has written his name in imperishable letters on the history of the game. When in future we desire to compliment any of our players, we shall compare them to the Brownlies. Nepia, Mark Nicholls, Richardson and Cooke. Prior to the departure, the All Blacks attended a private screening of a composite film showing their games. They immensely enjoyed the revelation of incidents overlooked during the stress of play. They were especially amused at the slow motion picture of themselves. On behalf of the AH Blacks, Mr Dean this afternoon presented Brigadier Kentish with a large photograph of the team autographed by every player as a token of appreciation of his work on their behalf. The Prince of Wales, in accordance with his oromise at the luncheon on Wednesday, autographed about 30 of the luncheon menu cards sent to him at St. James’ Palace by the members of the team. Before the departure from London, Porter and Mr Dean sent a message to the secretary of the Fellowship of British Empire Exhibition: “Captain and members of the All Blacks at the conclusion of their tour of Britain, in which they had the happiest experience of the friendly family feeling existing in the Empire, wish good luck to the Fellowship of British Empire Exhibition. May you score your goal of establishing the Fellowship in every part of the Empire.” Cn arrival in Canada the All Blacks will be shepherded to the Pacific and probably play three matches at Vancouver and Victoria. Efforts are being made to fix up another match in San Francisco. Interviewed prior to the departure of the team, one member declared that British Rugby was not so strong as expected, but nevertheless they had been greatly attracted by the British forwards. He paid very high praise to British hospitality. They had had a glorious tour; nevertheless, they were happy to be going home.