WELCOME HOME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1691, 7 March 1906, Page 2

WELCOME HOME.

RETURN OF THE FOOTBALLERS

((Per* Press Ass iciation.) Auckland, last night. The New Zealand footballers arrived by the mail steamer Sonoma this afternoon, and were aooorded a most enlhusiatio reception. Though not a publio holiday, an enormous crowd gathered on the wbatf and in Queen street, many of the buildings being gaily decorated with flags. The Premier went out and met the eteamer at the Heads, and two crowded excursions also went down and gave the team a cheer. All along the line of route to the Royal Hotel windows and verandahs —■- were filled with spectators as the procession passed along at five o’clock. The publio reception was held outßide the Municipal Buildings, where a great crowd essembled. The Mayor (Mr A. Myers) extended a hearty welcome to the “ All Blacks ” on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, and congratulated them on their success. He hoped ■ they would meet with similar success when they settled down once more to their work in the industrial world. Mr Seddon gave the team a hearty weloomß ... home to New Zealand. He said when Auokland did a thing it alweys did it well, and the whole of New Zealand would be proud of Auckland for the eplendid reception given to the team. He blbo expressed pleasure at the presenoe of the Admiral (who was heartily cheered). They had an admiral who knew to have his ships at the right time in the right place. (Cheers and laughter.) He was not afraid to refer to the Welsh match. The New Zealand team, like true sportsmen, had not said a word against the decision in that match, though the general concensus of opinion was that it was not a defeat at all, but try against try. (Ap plause.) 1 The Premier read a latter from the High Commissioner, referring to the good conduct of the team, both on and off the field. They had upheld the good name of New Zealand as athletes, sportsmen, and gentlemen. Messrs Dixon'(manager) and Gallaher (captain) briefly spoke. They said they expected a welcome perhaps from foot- ! bailers, but never dreamt of such a great publio reception from the citizens. As a whole, they had done their best to uphold the honour of New Zealand, and had always endeavored to play the game. In ihe evening a banquet was held, at which the Premier, Mayor, and leading citizens were present, and a number of speeches were made. At the football banquet to-night the Premier and members of the team were presented with a medal commemorating the international victories. There were 20 speeohes on the programme.