ALL BLACKS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1932, Page 6

ALL BLACKS

ARRIVE AT WELLINGTON. A WARM WELCOME. (Per Press Association— Copyright.) WELLINGTON, August 2. Looking happy and w r ell and justifiably proud of the magnificent Bl'edis'loe Cup the token of their success against the elect tof Australia, the AIM Blacks returned by the Zealandia from Sydney to-day. They met with a warn reception at Queen’s' Wharf, when they disembarked. Mr Pownall (president of Hie *.iew Zealand Rugby Union) was among the first to extend oongratiula.tiona to manager Wallace, captain ‘■Kilby arid the remainder of the party. *lTe was accompanied by the Chairman 1 ‘of the Management Committee, Mr -Dean, and members of the Committee i-of both’ New Zealand and Wellington Unions, relatives and friends waited behind the barriers.

Congratulating the team, Mr Powtmall •said it was realised that they were sending away a young team that had niot a very great deal of experience in big match play, but lie thought the selectors did a wise thing in choosing young blood, particularly in view of the proposed tour of Great Britain in four years time. The'Committee.showed their wisdom in appointing Mr Wallace to manage the team. We knew that whatever there was in the team he-would bring it out... This teapi has had a very good trip and owes New Zealand a very great debt. I think' they weflil acknowledge it, and I hope' when they go to their homes they will do their best- to pass on their knowledge, 'not only to tlieir own teams, biiiftoafso to their opponents.

In the course of his, reply, Mr Wallace said the forwards were the fastest of any team that has gone to Australia,' and the backs improved out of sight. He paid a tribute to the work of the trainer and masseur, Syd. Murray, who had to 'be thanked for tlie fact that there -was not one case of septic poisoning on the tour. He had been busy night and day, attending .to the players. Kilby said New Zealand had every reason to ibe proud of these hoys. This country; is in process of team building/ and by the time the English tour comies along we will have a very fine teahi. All the team returned feeling fit. except Proctor -who had never sufficiently recovered from his knee injury and concussion, to be fit enough to give of his best.

D. Max is still bn. crutches, but expects to be recovered soon. The l high regard in which the team held Kilby and Steere (captain and vice-captain), was evidenced when the players met to make a presentation to each of the pair. Mementoes were handed over by Wallace (manager) who said the team, recognised that in Kilby it had a first class captain. The. team had aj great affection both for him and Steer©- They, had sat with him on the Selection Committee and hay been very .fair. /Their one object w r to consider the , best, interests of the team.

Kilby spoke .highly of the support he had received from members of ,th!e team. Off the field it had been wonderful, and on the field lie could not ask for a better side to Head. His instructions which had only been a request, had been carried out without hesitation.

Steere also trihutle'd the spirit tha' had existed among the players through out the tour. '