VICTORIOUS ALL BLACKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2860, 19 March 1925, Page 2

VICTORIOUS ALL BLACKS.

* WELCOMED HOME. Trere was a crowded attendance at the luncheon given by the Government to Hie All Bindks at Parliament House on Tuesday. The Prime Minister was in the chair and besides members of the team and the official party, and fifty visiting Parliamentarians, Messrs U.ynyard, Wilson and Elliott, of the native 1888 team, and Wallace, Thompson, Roberts, Glasgow, Glenn and Dixon (manager) of the 1095 team were also present, also quite a number of visitors from outside Wellington. The speeches were very short and hugely covered those already made earlier in the day. Mr-Massey proposed the “Victorious All Blacks” and referred to the exploits of the previous sides including the Army team and to the victories of our oarsmen in Sydney last week. They had been a good advertisement for the Dominion, and now they had come back to settle down to the serious adventures of life, which he counselled them to tackle as earnestly as they had played the ball and above all, whatever the future had in store, to play the game for their country.

Both Messrs Dean and Porter replied, the former again laying stress on the excellent relations that had existed among the players from beginning to end. He mentioned the presentation of a Loving Cup. in England and the trophy itself was conspicuously displayed beside another cup that was presented by Vancouver for competition among primary schools. They also gave each member of the team gold sleeve-links. He thanked the Government for voting the £I,OOO which enabled the men to return by Canada. Porter also thanked Mr Massey for the kindly messages received from time to time, encouraging (he team before the matches and congratulating them after.

Twelve" hundred assembled for the jazz ball, where the All Baleks’ Loving Cup and other trophies were on view. White made a }>resentation of an oak and silver tantalus to Mr Dean and Badeley handed a rosebowl to Porter. Gay scenes were witnessed and extended far into the night. The Hon. J. G. Coates and many Rugby officials were present.