HOME TO-NIGHT

Southland Times, Issue 20613, 11 October 1928, Page 8

HOME TO-NIGHT

SOUTHLAND’S ALL BLACK

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME ASSURED. The Invercargill railway station will be taxed to its utmost to accommodate the crowd that will assemble this evening to welcome Southland’s All Black, W. E. Hazlett, on his return from South Africa. Representatives of all sporting bodies in Invercargill have signified their intention of being present to add good wishes and congratulations to one who so worthily upheld New Zealand’s and Southland’s traditions in the land of the Springboks. The Invercargill Scottish Pipe Band will turn out in full force to add to the warmth of the welcome. The president and officials of the Southland Rugby Union, the president and officials of “Bill” Hazlett’s own club (Pirates), the presidents and officials of other clubs—all these will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of the carriage which is conveying home such a doughty son of Southland. While Southland can lay claim to indirect representation in the 1928 All Blacks in the persons of Kilby, Strang, Alley, Johnson and McGregor, W. E. Hazlett was the province’s sole direct representative. And what a worthy representative he proved! Probably no other forward in the side played as consistently nor did any other forward rise to such brilliant heights as Hazlett. Playing in all four tests, he was singled out time and again by South African critics as the outstanding forward. And that in the company of such giants as the Brownlies, Finlayson, McWilliams, Alley, Hadley and Stewart. It will not be surprising to see thousands craning their necks this evening to catch a glimpse of “Bill’s” manly form as he steps from the carriage. It will be surprising if before he reaches his home in Gladstone his right arm is not aching with the handshakes of sportsmen who admire the way he played the game in South Africa. Welcome Dinner. The Pirates Football Club is tendering Hazlett a complimentary dinner at which his club mates and members of the Rugby Union will take the opportunity of welcoming him home.