THE LUNCHEON.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11503, 9 February 1903, Page 2

THE LUNCHEON.

The visitors were entertained at luncheon by the Canterbury Cricket Association. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, the president, presided, and said that as the Mayor had been unable to welcome tjhe EngJehmen, he would ask him to do so now. .. Mr Wlgram said that he had understood that it was the wish of tihe visitors ihai there should be no official reception, but he was glad of the opportunity of. welcoming them now. He had .been privileged totiravel with the team in the North Island,.and he bad assured them that nowhere in New Zealand would tihey be more warmly welcomed than in Canterbury. He would not detain them, but ask tiboee present to join him in the toast of "The English Team," coupled with th# name of Mr Warner.

Mr Warner reepomded, and said that he and his men regretted not having arrived in Ohratchurch earlier. They' had had a delightful time in Canterbury—the home of cricket in New Zealand, and the most English of any place in the colony. Speaking of the cricket, he caid that they had seen some fine bowling from Mr Callaway and Mr Frankish, and Home really splendid wicketkeeping and fielding. Toe fielding of the gentleman at extra cover (D. Reeee)' had been particularly good, and he had nevdr seen the position better filled. He regretted the shortness of their stay here, and hoped that future teams would play two matches on the charming ground they were on, as well as a test match. Ho trusted that the visit of his team wouild result in good, and that the play in New Zealand would soon reach the Australian standard. He would not be surprised if in a few years* time England v Xcw Zealand would bo watched by thousands on tihe great ground at* Lord**. He had much pleasure in proposing the health of "The Canterbury Team," coupled with the name of Mr Orchard. Mr Orchard *aid that his team had eeen a splendid exhibition of batting, and the Englishmen had won the greatest respect from tihe bowlers and fieldsmen alike. . He hoped feie own team would do as well. A collection was made on the ground for D. Keeeo in recognition of his fine batting, and about £25 was collected for him.

Mr W. B. Clarkeon offered a bat to any member of the Canterbury team who made 50 against the Englishmen, and as D. Reeee scored over a century he will be given two bate.