THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 3, 28 September 1921, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM

FAREWELL DINNER IN LONDON TRIBUTES TO THE PLAYERS. By Telegraph—Praia Association—Copyright' London, September 26. Mr. Donald MacKinnon (V ictoria) ’ gave a farewell dinner to the Australian cricketers and a small number of visitors, who included Sir Arthur Stanley (lato Governor of Victoria). Apologies were received from Messrs. Hobbs, Warner,- and Toone. Mr. MacKinnon proposed the health of the team, e.nd alluded to England’s sacrifices in the war, which had affected her crickat, a fact which, the Australians recognised.Mr. Armstx-ong paid a generous tribute to the English teams. The Australians had pulled together in grand style. He had never asked for or ordered anything that was not willingly responded to. ■Sir Peter Mcßride, in proposing the health of the host, eulogised both teams.. Mr. J W. H. T. Douglas said he had never enjoyed anything more than, the matches against the Australians, who were clean sportsmen off and on the. field. He hoped that he would' visit Australia again and get some of his own back. Mr. A. C. Maclaren described the Australians as the "nicest lot of boys who had ever visited the country?’ He was disgusted at the methods of selection of the English teams. Mr. Douglas had never had a fair deal. He instanced the first Test, when Douglas wired for Parkin on account of the probability of a soft wicket. The wire was ignored. Mr. Sydney Smith, in responding for the team, said that if it was put tea. vote fifteen to one would decide in favour of staying in England for another month. The minority was Macartney, who was to bo manned on Christmas Eve. —Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn.