THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1925, Page 2

THE ALL BLACKS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. OiBLK ASSOCIATION. MANY TRIBUTES. LONDON, December 31. The "Daily Mail ” publishes a series of messages emphasising the Imperial t value of the All Blacks’ tour. > Earl Haig said lie was pleased to learn that the majority of the All Blacks were ex-service men. He should have expected it, knowing the splendid record of Hughyites throughout the Empire. Mr J. If. Thomas said: ‘‘The All Flacks are worthy representatives of the Dominion and the Empire. Their visit will increase the affection of the Motherland for her offspring.” Mr Winston Churchill says: ‘‘l have followed the All Blacks tour with the greatest interest,” and pays a tribute to the New Zealand division of which the All Blacks were members. Mr L. C. M. S. Amcry says the man T in the street realised that there was something in New Zealand’s energy and virility from the successes of the All Blacks who would return with a better idea of the Motherland and the sportsmanship and goodfellowsliip of her people. LONDON. December 31. The Richmond Club has invited the All Flacks, Badelcy and M’Cleary ,to assist it against Newport . This is the first time in history that the tourists have been included in an English club team. The “Daily News” says the Rugby League teams cast covetous eyes on several members of the all conquering All Blacks, hut the two years’ residential qualification was an unsurmountahle obstacle. Attempts would he made shortlv (o remove the ban. hut, in view of the visit of a professional All Blacks’ team in 1920 tho embargo* was most likely to remain. N.Z. TEAM confident. WELLINGTON, Jan. 2. The following cablegram has been received by tho New Zealand Hugh; Union from Deal, where the All Blacks are now quartered: —Team all well, -y Confident of result of Saturday’s game. f Dost all letters, etc., from now on care Vancouver Rugby L nion

THE GREATEST SIDE ON EARTH. LONDON, January 1. The “Daily News” special says: Tho All Blacks are the greatest Rugby side on earth. There is no element of mystery in their invincible prowess. They have not discovered some radioactive. secret for use a.s athletes. 1 hey merely combine the qualities of a beautifully running machine, with quick, human resourcefulness. They are big, .strong, speedy; they are so physically A fit ami in such perfect training, that / they can wear out even the lfiost. dangerous opponents in the first half lioui, Mud ‘beat them 'in the .last forty minutes. Their giant forwards play like three-quarters. Their three-quar-ters have thrusting power of armourpiercing shells. Nothing in British or E roll eh" football to-dav eon compete with their consummate skill, and their demoniac energy. Only a miracle will save England from defeat on the 3rd of January. , ' " A famous member of the Rugby ln- “ ion answering a friend’s criticism in the’ selection of England’s team, saul, ; with an air of melancholy resignation g .V "My dear man, if we picked our best thirty, instead of fifteen, we could not beat them.”