ALL BLACKS TO GO ABOARD THE TAMAROA THIS EVENING

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 April 1949, Page 5

ALL BLACKS TO GO ABOARD THE TAMAROA THIS EVENING

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— Considerable public interest was taken in members of the 1949 All Black Rugby team after their arrival here today. There were several hundred spectators at a civic farewell at the Town Hall in the late afternoon. The team was farewelled at Government House by the Governor-General. Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C. The sailing of the team for South Africa in the Tamaroa tomorrow has been put back until the evening. At the civic farewell an expression of “the utmost goodwill of the citizens of Auckland” was offered the team by the Mayor- Mr Allum. “It has often been said that the best Rugby team to leave New Zealand was the 1937 Springbok side,” said the manager of the All Blacks, Mr J. H. Parker, in a farewell statement tonight. "This is a matter of comfort to us. It is not what we are now' that counts, but what we are when we return from this tour. Naturally, we hope to win and in the short time that I have been with the players I have come to have every confidence that they will try their very best to play well, both on and off the field.” “We are conscious of the great honour in being chos'en Io represent New Zealand,” said the captain. F. R. Allen, speaking for ihe players. “We know our responsibilities as representatives of the Dominion. For myself 1 am proud to lead such a great band of men. I feel sure they will all give of their very best throughout the tour.”