THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1925, Page 3

THE ALL BLACKS.

[Reuters Telegrams.] A BIG DINNER. LONDON, January 11. The Prince of Wales will preside at the Sportsmens’ Luncheon to the AH Blacks on January 21st. The hosts will include many titled sportsman, who have subscribed for the special memento of the New Zealanders' triumphant tour, with the idea it shall become the property of the New Zealand Rugby Union. WILLING TO LEARN. NEWSPAPERS’ ECSTATIC PRAISE. (“Sydney Sun” Cables). (Received this day at 9.-15 a.m.) PARIS, January 15. The French sporting newspapers arc bursting with enthusiasm and pour out a rich volume of superlatives on the AH Blacks, who are described as superatliletes, heroes cud the demi-gods of the oval ball. The papers state that they realise that there is no hope of victory at Toulouse on the 17th., but express their willingness t« learn from the dazzling exponents of undreamt of excellence. FRANCE RUGBY MAD. PARIS, Jan. 15. A message from Toulouse states the All Blacks visited Carcassonc yesterday, and were enthusiastically feted. It is arranged that they will spend tomorrow at a Pyrenees winter resort. The whole country is at present Rugby mad. Fft IvNCHM EX’S IMAGINATION. (Received this day at 10.25 a.m.) PARIS, January 15. In contrast to the reticence of the AH Blacks in Paris, the newspapers in the south-west of France are filled with their opinions. The All Blacks may have grown more communicative but Gascon journalists arc more imaginative than their northern confreres. A picturesque incident happened on arrival at Toulouse, when Porter was presented with a. magnificent bouquet of roses and carnations by the International, Pujol, who played against New Zealand in 1905. The Now Zealanders were most impressed by this unexpected attention, and bad the bouquet photographed as a lasting memento. Various alterations ill the French team are expected. Besson will he unable to leave Paris and Jaiirrogiiy and I’iqui val are doubt I ill ■ TWO FAMOUS GENERALS. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, January lfl. Sir W. Birdvood and Sir Inn Hamilton. and the Presidents of Lhe leading football clubs are attending tbe .-porLsmeii’s luncheon to the All Blacks mi tho 21st inst. The Prince of Wales will he Sir James Mien’s guest.