RECEPTION OF THE CRICKETERS.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1205, 3 December 1873, Page 2

RECEPTION OF THE CRICKETERS.

The s.B. Taranaki arrived in the Manukau before eight o'clock this morning with the Auckland cricket team on board, after a triumphant tour through the Southern provinces. In accordance with previous -in'nouncement the committee appointed to arrange for giving the men a suitable reception assembled at Mr. Hardington's yards at eight o'clock, •where a drag drawn by feur horses was in readiness to convey them to Onehunga. The members of committee reached Onehunga about nine o'clock, and immediately proceeded on board the Taranaki to welcome the men back. The steamer was by this time alongside the wharf, and tho team had breakfasted on board. No time was lost in getting comfortably seated on the outside of Mr Hardington's large omnibus, the inside of which was occupied by friends. Mags and other emblems of rejoicing were observable in various parts of this usually quiet hamleW A little excitement was caused by a horse attached to an empty gig starting off from the hotel door and galloping along the road for three-quarters of a mile ahead of the coach, when it was stopped without^ccident. The team were cordially hailed along the road, the retiring residents of the secluded villas of Epsom peeping forth and airing their pocket handkerchiefs on the morning breeze. The young ladies of Mrs Lewis's select seminary were especially noticeable in their demonstrations of exultation. A general nutter of excitement was manifested the pedestrians in Queen-street at the sight of the coach heading the hill at the top of Upper Queen-street, with a banner floating in the rear, and its upper storey closely packed with passengers, a good msny wearing blue cricketing caps denoting the connection of their possessors with the victorious team. Near the Army and Navy Hotel a band under Mr. McComish was waiting to precede the team their way; through the city. A halt was made here, and" the coach then proceeded along Queenstreet at a walking pace, the band in advance playing " See the Conquering Hero Comes," " Rule Britania," and other airs appropriate to the occasion. The footpaths were crowded, and loud cheers were given as the coach passed. This was repeated at various stages. The coach went along Custom- I house-street, Albert-street, and down Vie- ' toria-street to the Bazaar yards where a final landing was made amid a great deal of hurraying. We regret to hear that the visit South, if it has raised the prestige of Auckland in the colonial cricketing world, has lost us some of our best players. Qlayforth, Dixon, and Sweete have stopped behind'at Christchurch, Sweete having gone back there from Nelson. Alpe also returns to Christchurch with his family, he having obtained a good situation in store. The men were informed on their return ,of the proposal to play an Auckland eleven, and expressed their willingness to do so, but as-all are anxious to get to business again, the Thames men especially desiring to return home, it is not certain whether the match will come off. A complimentary dinner to the cricketing and rifle representatives will take place tomorrow night at eight o'clock at the Choral Hall. The arrangements made are of a firstclass character, and the affair will doubtless be a great success. The secretary of the Rifle Association desires us to request members attending the dinner to appear in uniform." „!',>••

Since the above was in type wo learn that it has been decided to play a match on Priday agajn^fc m eleven selected ir^

(sIS a ayd V- ThamCS) Wi)l *i Placed would be much better if Se 00^^ lt the Auckland cricketers £ aye a 2* e, Clf ball independent of tSX^,l^^ ladies may partake of the enjoyment■ TnS? mg you W!)l not think us presumpW^' We are, &c, Invested w the cS%£7,