THE VISITORS ENTERTAINED.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12275, 22 June 1908, Page 2

THE VISITORS ENTERTAINED.

At the Commercial Hotel on Saturday evening, the Anglo-Wefsk team were banquetted, the members of the Combined -team also being; present. Dr. Andrew (f resident of the. .Rugby Union) occupied tho chair, and Mr J. J. Gorry (President of the Marborougb Rugby Union) the vice-chair, the latter being supported by Mr McCalluni, Mayor of Blenheim. . After partaking of the splendid repast provided by Mr Saundera, the Chairman opened the lilt toast by proposing "The King." The Chairman then proposed "The Visiting Team," and said be hoped that tbeir visit would prove a benefit to football locally* lie also referred to the professional question, and. hoped it would not get ,fc tooting iv New Zealand. H* wished Jibe Britishers good luck id tbeir matches with the remaining provinces, and expressed & is -pjlgasare »fc the spirit ia which the *n«Ttch had that day been played. Mr Harnett, mnnager of the AngloWelsh team, responded, thanking the Chairman for his; remarks. He also touched upon the professional question, and ( said thr EogiisM Union, after a great, fight, had cast aside professionalism, lie ref erect to the tour: of the' "All tflaoks, " Wi said it had given a great filipto amateur ;Rugby at Home. Mr Corry proposed the , -'N«w Zealand Rugby Unto?," and «aid he could not speak too well of tha support acoordedjjthe smaller union* -— Bii(jb~&s NeJsoa and Marl borough, aqd put in a strong claim on -their behalf. Mr Mason, who J3 touring vita the Britishers as reprea»ntativ« of the New Zealand Kugby Union; lepliect.

* The Other toasts were:~"The EefrrM," proposed by Mr **«!"«. Mr Charters responding ; ***.-. S^)' tots,'- proposed by Mr Smith, Mr McHtedy reipoading; "Marlborougb Ridd-.-Kelßoa Uaioafj^ proposed by M EoKT»dy» Mr Smith responding ; and "The U&airmaßi'* proposed by Mx Gsbbs. The company broke up nbotii nin« o'clock, aft«r hayiag fp*itt* r«ry •ojoyable eronlog.

«PHE DEPARTURE.

,/.ThH Anglo-Welsa team left by the Skapo.uriki at •l>ven o'clock on Hat%fa*f fiigbt, tbaro Oomg n largo iattieriag -to. witness their depar ttr«. On. '.th« eaU of Dr. Andrew, tore* haarty cheers were given for the Britishers as the vessel moved •ff.