CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1931, Page 5

CRICKET

N.Z. CRICKET TEAM. LEAVES FOR ENGLAND. (By Telet/ruph —Bar Brass Association) WELLINGTON, March 28. Before leaving by the Rangitata this afternoon for England, the Now Zealand cricket team were farewelled by a representative gathering of sportsmen, and the best wishes were extended to the tourists for a good trip and a .successfull itoui'.

The cricketers were farewelled prior to their embarkation by the Now Zealand Cricket- Council. Air Donnelly said that the’sending of the team was justified in national interests. |t was strong in hatting and fielding, bid its howling had been criticised as weak. He thought that it would he sufficient to meet the requirements in England siie-e if: would he supported by good fielding.

Mr Broad expressed the hope that this would he the first of a series ol organised tours to be arranged wc|] ahead by the Cricket Council. The team were fortunate in having Lowry, Page and Allcotit, who represented the best elements in New Zealand cricket.

Lowry, the captain, in replying, said that lie regarded the team as having better prospects /than that sent in 1927, On the field it would do its best, and would fight to the last, and off the field would at least try to piny the game. SEND OFF BY LARGE CROWD. WELLINGTON, March 29. A large crowd on the ivtiarf yesterd«v afternoon watched the departure of the “Rangitata” with the New Zealand cricketers on hoard. There also departed Sir George* Elliott on a visit lo England; and Captain and Mrs Vaughan, who have been the guests of Government House since Christmas. Lord and Lady Bledisloe were among those present. Handshakes, farewell calls and a mass of streamers marked the departure of the cricketers, but there was no official action at the ship’s side. A large group of hanking officials and others bade farewell lo Sir George Elliott. One oT the Wellington Aero Club’s planes circled above the vessel as it went down the harbour.