IN BAD ODOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1931, Page 6

IN BAD ODOUR

THE 1924 ALL BLACKS. BAD IMPRESSION OF N.Z. CREATED. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 23. “Tlie public of New Zealand are entitled to know that the last team of All Blacks who toured Britain in 1924 created a very bad. impression, and were looked upon more as pothunters than sportsmen,” said Mr M. R. J en " kins, formerly "M.P. lor Parnell, who returned from England this week. . “I am sorry to have to say tins, he added. 1 English people dp not tarK about it, but New Zealanders, visiting the United! Kingdom, find it out by inquiry. The good name created by New Zealanders during the War was somewhat upset : through the impression this team made. Their main object was to win matches and make a marathon of*it, rather than to win in sportsmanlike spirit. I do not blame individual players. The trouble originated in New Zealand owing to the Criticism by the public of the team chosen, and the object oi the management was to win every match, ■ anyhow, so as tq justify the selection. “It is a matter for gratification,” he continued, “that the New Zealand cricket team last|‘year broke down the impression created, by the All Blacks. They were splendid sportsmen and created an excellent impression.