PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10, 10 March 1906, Page 24

PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) LON DOX, January 26. The* “All Blacks" left us on Saturday, and should reach (heir native* shores <clom* upon the arrival of these* notes. Their departure* in a blaze* of glory, so to speak, was in curious contrast to

the unostentatious manner of their arvival four months back. Until the sensational victories began to happen the great bulk of the* people in this country were blissfully unconscious of the tram’s existence, the brief paragraphs chronicling their arrival having for the most part jiassed unnoticed. Within a few weeks, however, these mysterious “AH Blacks,” who seemed to have el topped from the clouds into our midst, were* the most-talked-of men in the kingdom. Their departure on Saturday was made* the chief news-item in the* papers, many of which also devoted editorials to the event. The terne of the articles, one* need hardly aelel, was extremely laudatory. Mingled with satisfaction at the* thought that Wales had “saved the fare" of the Meither Country, there* was general regret that the “All Blacks” had not kept their wonderful record intact. The team made friends wherever they went, and on Saturday they were given a line* send-off. both at London anel Southampton. The* crowds, the cheering, anel the- general enthusiasm formed a striking tribute to their peculiarity. Sorry, indeed, we are to lose “the* boys.” Their admirable conduct on anel off’ the.* field, their unfailing good nature, anel total lack of “side’’ delighteel everybody who met them. The a i'il of the* “All Blae ks” will long remain a happy memory with the* hosts of friends on this side of the* world. “For they are jolly good fellows, and so say al] of us.” I). Gallaher proved himself the right man in the* right place as captain of the New Zealand team. He was as popular with the* team as he was capable on the Held of play, and his authority was unquestioned. Gallaher's cool head, sound judgment, ami ripe experience were invaluable to his side. Nothing hurt the team’s feelings more than the grossly unfair attacks made on their captain by irresponsible critics, notably in Wales. These* ill-natured criticisms, however. did no harm to his reputation as a sportsman above reproach. There were loud calls of “Speech! speech!” on Saturday, when Gali- 1 '*r boarded the train at Waterloo, but the New Zealand e-aptain was at a loss for once: his feelings were too much for him. “Good old England -worst day of the tour.” was all In* could say. but it was enough to set the crowd cheering until the station rafters rang. The Welsh students who saw the New Zealand footballers off at Southampton supplied enough light comedy to take Ihe edge off the depression which was beginning to settle upon the team and their friends at the near prospect of “farewell.” The Welshmen not only sang and cheered in great style, but they had a series of choruses in which their leader would ask a question, and the lest of the party in unison thunder a reply. As for instance: Did they beat England ?—Yes! Did they beat Scotland? Yes! Did thev heat Ireland?- Yes. Did they beat Wales?- Yes-LIAR! Al] their choruses, of course, were full of the glory of Wales’ victory over the New', Zealanders. The catechising continued in this fashion: Who plays the best football? Wales. Who plays the next best?- Now Zealand. Who plays the worst?—England. Who spoiled New’ Zealand’s record?-— WALES. Who ate the leek?—Gallaher. Who scored the try?- Teddy Morgan. What’s the matter with tin* New Zealanders?—They’re all right! On one point only was there any disagreement among tbe.-e enthusiastic young Welshmen, and that was as to whether New Zealand did or did not score a try against Wales. Some held •that Deans’ try should have b<*en allowed. while others took tin* opposite view. But when they did agree, their unanimitv was womlerful!

Mr. W. H. Raslmcb. a member of the Gloucester Football Club Committee, lias received the following interesting marconigram. drspat(he<l from the American liner New York, on which the New Zealand footballers are travelling to America: “Kia ora. From mid-Atlanti<*. We are downhearted.—McGregor, Mvnott, Allen.” \\. Johnston and C. E. Seeling, who art* extending their stay in England for several weeks on account of the indisposition of the former, will journey to Gloucester on Saturday on a visit to Air. Rasbach. Mr. I’alliser. the New Zealand Rugby I nion’s London representative, informs me that it is practically decided that an English Rugby team will tour New Zealand ami Australia in 1908. Needless to say, they will not begin with the Australian matches this time, as was Hu* case with Bedell-Sivright’s team. To wrest from New Zealand, if possible, the “ashes” of English Rugby football will be their great ambition. Callers at the High Commissioner’s office this week:—Mr Thomas Dalrymple (Gisborne), Mr IL Paterson Oeney (( hristchurch). Rev. IFarold Anson (Auckland). Mr Joseph Power (Wellington), Mr R. O’Connor, Mr A. C O’Connor (Wellington), Mr A. J. Chrystall (Christchurch), Miss F. C. Nairn. The R.M.s. Ruapehu, Commander Francis Mayoss, R.N.R., of the New' Zealand Shipping Company’s lino, left London on Thursday, and sails from Plymouth to-morrow for New Zealand, via Capetown and Hobart. She takes the following passengers for New Zealand ports:—Miss P. Baines, Mr E. Bayley. Mrs IT. Butt. Miss Butt. Mrs G. W. Edwar<ls. Mr W. Gladwyn. Mrs L. R. Macdonald, Miss I. Macdonald, Mr C. G. Moor. Mr D. Nathan. Mrs Nathan and madi, Miss N. Nathan. Mr R. D. Renwick. Miss G. Verney. Miss K. Yernev. Mr W. Alexander. Miss Y. Banks. Mr C. M. Bartlett. Mr J. E. Beard. Mr J. A. Betts, Mr S. J. Garman, Miss M. L. Colchester. Mr IT. G. ( lisp. Miss A. Davenport, Mr G. E. Drake. Mrs Drury, Mr W. N. Duggan, Mrs A. Fim-h, Mr and Mrs G. P. Ford and two >ons. Mr J. Tdiens, Mr C. C. Jennings, Mr G. Lambic. Mr J. G. TAvingstone. Mr and Mrs C. 11. Picke ring. Rev. A. De IL Robinson. Miss S. Ryan, Mr T. Southern. Mrs S. F. Thomas, Miss M. H. Thomas, Miss K. D. Thomas, Mr A. Thomas, Air J. L. Watson. Mr L. A. Whitfield. Mr W. 11. Whittell-Webb, and about GO in the third-class.