THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1925, Page 4

THE ALL BLACKS.

COMPLIAIENTS EXCHANGED

WELLINGTON, Feb. 27 Congratulations on the English cricket team’s performance were cabled to Gilligan by the president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Air OFrost. , . Air Frost has received the Pillowing reply from Gilligan“ Relighted with your message. English cricket team desires to extend its warmest congratulations to famous All Blacks on their return home alter their triumphant tour and magnilieeiit performan cos.”

their homecoming

WELLINGTON, Feb. 27

A civic reception, an official dinner bv the Government of the Dominion, aiul a jazz, revel at night. These are tbo functions which will mark the home-coming of the all-conqucring All Blacks, now on their last homeward stretch in the steamer Tahiti, due at Wellington on Monday, March 16th. The arrangements in detail are not vet completed, but Air A. C. Ivitto outlined the parent union’s proposals t<> a delegation from the Wellington Rugbv Union, Atessrs .J. Brendeville, .) U.'Millard, and G. F. W. Jackson. CIVIC RECEPTION. The New Zealand union bad arranged with the mayor to give the team a civic reception at the Town Hall at noon, said Ah Ivitto. The first notion for this had been to hold the reception at 5 p.lll. hut this would interfere with the work of making the hall ready for the evening. The mayoral welcome would end at 1.15 p.in. and the Government would entertain the team at dinner. In the evening a citizens’ jazz ball would be held, and the union hall thought ol taking both chambers in the Town Hall and charging 5s for admission. Ivo thousand tickets would he soul. ASSISTANCE. ASTCED. It was in connection with the details of arrangements that the assistance of the local union was desired. r lhe official party would go out to the ship in the Janie Sodden, which was placed at the disposal of the union by the Government. For next-of-kin special passes would he provided for admission to the balcony of the shed J>n t' lo King’s wharf.' where the men would disembark. The Customs had consented to examine the men’s luggage <lll board, so that there would bo-no delay, and from the boat the players would „<> straight to the hotel. The whole ream would he kept, together for that night, and the southern men would go south on the Tuesday, the following night. OTHERS INVITED.

Alembers of former teams, such as the 1888 and 1905 sides, who were in Wellington would he invited to the functions. At the Government dinner there would he some 140 people seated. The mayor is to he asked to request citizens to display hunting. Last evening a management committee, consisting ol Messrs! A. C. Kit to. E. Wylie. W. Hoping and J. ITendeville, was set up for the reception.