AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1928, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM

A PRESENTATION. WELLINGTON, April 10. Faith in the ability of cricket tours to weld closer the ties of friendship was expressed by the Prime Minister to-day in the course of his farewell message to the members of the Australian team assembled in his room at Parliament House. “ I understand you are about to leave our shores,” said Ml* Contes, addressing the team. ** On behalf ol the Government and the citizens of New Zealand. 1 would like to express the pleasure we have all had in having you amongst us, and to express the hope that you have enjoyed the time spent in our country. Australians, particularly Australian c ricketers, are especially welcome among us. New Zealand sportsmen owe a lot to Australia, and we cannot overstress our appreciation of the assistance and support you have given New Zealand in her struggle to place her name in cricket oil the map.” New Zealanders had had an opportunity of seeing tlu* game as it ought to he played, he said, and an incentive had been given the younger players to strive to reach a standard which he Imped would take the best of future Australian teams to heat, if it were possible for an Australian team to be beaten. From one end of the country to the other the people were deeply grateful for what the visit had clone for New Zealand cricket. “ There is another side, too,” continued the Prime Minister. " 5 isits such as these do an enormous amount of good; in fact, they are essential in order that the representatives of either

country can come into closer contact and understand the viewpoints of each other hotter. You know that in the political world to-day there is an effort to have some point round which representatives from all parts of the world can meet and discuss international problems. 1 think this is now accepted as part and parcel of the general organisation of all countries with the object in view of bringing about a better opportunity of meeting face to face and discussing matters of very wide importance. It would he difficult to draw comparisons, but nevertheless we cannot over-estimate the good visits of this kind bring with them. I should like you to feel again that my colleagues and myself arc pleased to have you here, and wo sincerely hope that from another angle definite steps have been taken bv which the people of New Zealand and Australia can approach one another on more friendly terms, if it is possible for the terms to lie more friendly than those existing between Australia and New Zealand. 1 hope later we will have a further opportunity of an interchange of visits between Australian and New Zealand cricket teams. In conclusion. I can only say that all sides, young and old. have expressed keen pleasure at meeting you, and a high opinion ol your excellent behaviour and deportment on and oil 1 the field. 1 suggest you can go hack feeling that each and every one lias earned an enviable reputation as ambassadors of the country from which you come.” As a memento of the visit, each member of the team received Irani the Prime.* Minister, on hehalt ol the Government, a handsomely hound album of New Zealand views.

Replying, the manager of the team (Mi* \V. C. Bull.) said the Prime Minister’s talk with them would he numbered among the many pleasant recollections of the line tour they had had ot New Zealand. “We have travelled the length and breadth ol your delightful

country, and I am sure we saw more than Die average tourist possibly could see,” he added. “As lar as hospitality is concerned, I think the New Zealand people arc* marvellous. I have travelled in most parts of the world, and l have never received such hospitality as was accorded us in New Zealand.

The captain of the team 'Air \ . Itirhardson) thanked the Prime .Minister for the honour done the visitors and asked him to convey to the people of Xew Zealand the team’s thanks tor their help in making the lour successful. Kindness had been extended the visitors right throughout the Dominion and friendships had_ been formed which the members would value all their lives.