EN ROUTE FOR HOME

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 306, 20 September 1921, Page 5

EN ROUTE FOR HOME

DEPARTURE OF THE SPRINGBOKS f X A MEMORABLE SEND-OFF " 7 "" ’ . As a fitting climax to their successful ; tour of tho dominion, tho South African footballers wore accorded a memorable send-off last evening, when they ■took their departure for Sydney, en route to South Africa. Over an hour before the Tahiti left, rhe outer tier of the Queen's Wharf was lined with a densely-packed crowd, numbering considerably more than a thousand. There was a great press nt the ship’s side, and it was only with extreme difficulty that late-comers could make their way aboard ship. It was impossible to move in the throng, and one or two persons collapsed. / The South Africans were in great humour, and they found the crowd responsive to their mood. They© were numerous bursts of cheering, and the Springboks indulged in several rousing sorgs, - and gave a good rendition of a Maori haka. Hundreds of ribbon streamers ran from the ship’s deck to the whuf, and the scene generally was an animated one. Members of the fair sex wore assembled oh tho wharf in strong force. For over an hour there was a continuous round of merriment, and good-na-tured chaff on all sides, and the Springboks were obviously highly delighted with tho cordiality of their farewell. "Baby” Michau and two other smiling giiftits, du Plessis and Van fiooyen, seemed very loath to leave Wellington, ’ and judging by the snatches of conversation overheard, the visitors considered that their stay in the capital city had eclipted anything in their experience in point of hospitality. The Tahiti finally cleared the wharf at nine o’clock, and as she cast off her lines tho Springboks, led by "Baby" MrShau’s deep bass, gave tho team’s stirring war cry, and numerous were the cheers from the wharf, Wellington had done her visitors "proud"! z