ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1486, 20 November 1878, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS IN AUCKLAND.

[by telegbapii.] Auckland, November 19. A grand reception was given to the Australian team. A steamer, on board of which were the leading Auckland citizens, met the mail steamer, City of New York, outside the North Head, and accompanied the mail boat to Queen street Wharf. The wharf was crowded with spectators. A band played the team to the Auckland Club, where a champagne spread was prepared. The Hon. F. Whitaker presided. In proposing the team, Mr Whitaker made a brilliant speech. He said that though there were no New Zealand players in the team, the latter had our entire sympathy. Though not directly connected with the colonists here, one at least was indirectly, as he remembered seeing at Hokianga, in the year 1852, Mr Spofforth's father and mother courting. [Applause.] Mr Whitaker, after dilating on the victorious performances of the team, alluded to a probable Australian combination for the purpose of defence, also to the importance of cultivating unity. He concluded by reading a telegram received from Sir G. Grey, as follows :—" The arrival of the Australian cricketers in Auckland gives me an opportunity of assuring them of the interest with which their success in other parts of the world have been watched by the inhabitants of New Zealand, and of the great pleasure with which we welcome them to our shores.— G. Obey. Mr Gregory, the captain, responded for the team. When they were entertained by Mr Brett, Mayor, on their last departure from Auckland, they expressed their intention of playing another game with Auckland. He was sorry there was not time. Mr Gregory expressed the agreeable surprise of the team at the magnificent reception by the people of Auckland. Mr Firth proposed the health of Mr Conway, manager of the team, who had successfully played on English and American soil, proving that Britons at the antipodes lost none of their pluck/vigor, or ability, but were able to hold their own against Britons in the mother country. Mr Isaacs supported the toast. He knew Mr Conway when a boy, bowling against the first English eleven that visited Australia. Mr Conway, in responding, said the Auckland reception could not be beaten in Australia. When Pilot Burgess brought word of the welcome prepared, each cricketer blushed profusely. Mr Conway humorously referred to the English speeches. On one occasion they were addressed as Polynesians. He drew a happy sketch of an ex-Mayor of New Zealand (meaning Mr Hurst, of Auckland), who embraced them as they met on the ocean. If he got up another team he would endeavour to include several New Zealand players. Mr Conway concluded by referring to their former good treatment at Auckland, and present cordial reception. The team have also received a congratulatory letter from Otago cricketers.