THE ALL BLACKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1924, Page 5

THE ALL BLACKS.

WARM WELCOME EVERYWHERE. GAME OX GOODWIN SANDS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Dec. 19. Sir James Allen (High Commissioner for New Zealand), in an interview, said that great harm had been done in New Zealand by false reports that the All Blacks had received spiteful criticism and cold receptions. There had been no hostility and good play was always applauded. There had been occasional murmurs of disappointment. He watched the Twickenham match, and everybody, from the King downwards, appeared to be delightfully unbiassed. The English crowds have treated the All Blacks with absolute fairness. The team is observing silence and not relying to criticisms, but is thoroughly gratified with the enthusiastic cordiality everywhere.

The Daily Mail says the All Blacks are spending Christmas at Deal. They have arranged to play an exhibition match on the Goodwin Sands for the first time in history if the tides are favourable. REFEREE FOR ENGLISH MATCH. SAME AS IN IRISH GAME. Received Dec. 21, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 20. The Welshman, Mr. A. E. Freethy, will be referee in the England versus New Zealand match on January 3, the English Rugby Union having cancelled the agreement with New Zealand whereby nobody is allowed to referee more than one international. Mr. Freethy was referee in the Irish match against the All Blacks and in the match between Harlequins and Oxford and Leicester against Newport.