RECEPTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 245, 22 November 1878, Page 2

RECEPTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

(Per Press Agency.)

Auckland, Nov*. Is. A grand reception was given the T Australian team. A steamer was chartered, on board whi -h the leadiug Auckland citizens met the mail steamer, City of New York, outside the North Head, and accompanied the mail boat to tho Queen street wharf. The wharf was crowded with spectators. The band played the team to the Auckland Club, where a champagne spread was prepared.: '' x .'. Ai. -.... < ... i- ■

Mr Whitaker presided, proposing the toast of tho team, he mide a-brilliant speech. He said tbat-though no New .Sealand players,were in the team, the latter had our entire sympathy. He concluded by reading a congratulatory telegram from Sir G.'Grey.

Mr Gregory, captain, responded far the team. When they were entertained by Mr Brett, the Mayor, on the last departure from Auckland, they expressed the intention of playing another game with Auckland, but he was sorry to say they had not time. He expressed the agreeable surprise at the magnificent reception by the peoplo:of Auckland. Mr Firth proposed the health of Mr Conway, the manager of the team, who had successfully played on English and American soil, proving that Britain's antipodes had lost none of their pluck, vigor, and ability", but were able to hold their own against Britons in the mother country.

Mr Isaacs supported the toast. He knew Mr Conway when a boy, bowling ■against the first English. Eleven that visited Australia.

Mr Conway, in responding, said that the Auckland, reception could not be beaten in Australia.' When Pilot Burgess brought word of the welcome that had been prepared, each cricketer blushed profusely. Mr Conway humorously referred to the English speeches. On one ocoasion they were addressed as Polynesians. He drew •a'happy sketch of an ex-Mayor of New Zealand (meaning Mr Hurst, of Auckland) ■■who embraced them as they met on the •ocean. If he got up another team, he would endeavor to include several New Zealand players. He concluded by referring to their former good treatment at Auckland, and their present cordial re•ception.

The team have also received a congratutory letter from the Otago cricketers.