RECEPTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5521, 6 December 1878, Page 3

RECEPTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

(PEH PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, November 19.

Thera was a grand reception of the Australian cricketing team. A steamer was chartered, on board which the leading Auckland citizens met the mail steamer City of New York outside the North Head, They accompanied tire mail boat to the Queen-street wharf, and lauded on the wharf,, which was crowded with spectators. The band played while the team went up to the Auckland Club, where a champagne spread was prepared. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker presided. In proposing the health of the team he made a brilliant speech, and said that though there were no New Zealand players in the team, the latter had our entire sympathy. Though not directly conuected with the colonists, there was one at least indirectly connected, as he remembered seeing at Hokianga in 1512 Mr. Spofforth’s father and mother courting. (Applause). After dilating on the victorious performances of tha team, he alluded to the probable Australian combination for the purpose of defence, the importance of cultivating unity, and concluded by reading a telegram from Sir George Grey, the Premier, as follows; —“ The arrival of Australian cricketers at Auckland gives mo an opportunity of assuring them of the interest with which their success in other parts of the world has been watched by the inhabitants of New Zealand, and of the great pleasure with which we welcome them to our shores.— G. Ghey.” Gregory, the captain, responded for the team, when they were entertained by Mr. Brett, the Mayor. On their last departure from Auckland they expressed their intention to play another game with Auckland, but ha was sorry they had not time. Gregory expressed the agreeable surprise of the team at their magnificent reception by the people of Auckland. Birth proposed the health of Conway, manager of the team, who had successfully played on English and American soil, proving that Britons at the Antipodes had lost none of their pluck, vigor, and activity, but were able to hold their own against Britons in the mother country. E. Isaacs supported the toast, and said ho knew Conway when a boy, bowling against the first English Eleven which visited Australia. Conway, in responding, said the Auckland reception could not be beaten'in Australia. When Pilot Burgess brought word of the welcome prepared, each cricketer blushed profusely. Conway humorously referred to English speeches on one occasion, when they wore addressed as Polynesians; and he drew a happy sketch of the ex-Mayor of a town in New Zealand (meaning Hurst, of Auckland), who embraced them as they met on the ocean. If he got up another team he wonld endeavor to include several New Zealand players. Conway concluded by referring to the former good treatment at Auckland and the present cordial reception. The secretary and treasurer of the Otago Cricket Association telegraphed to Mr. Gregory as follows: —We have the honor to inform you that at the annual meeting of our association it was unanimously resolved that the hearty congratulations of our association bo forwarded to the Australian Eleven on their welldeserved success during their tour through England and America. We need scarcely say that we have the greatest possible pleasure in giving effect to the foregoing resolution, and bog to assure you that in no part of the colonies has the career of the Eleven been watched with keener interest than in Otago. The visit of the team to Dunedin left most pleasant recollections, and every stage of their after progress has elicited our warmest sympathy. We have to convoy to yourself, to Mr. Conway, and to each member of the Eleven, our siucerest and warmest good wishes. The following reply was received this morning ;—“ Auckland, November 19.—Please return thanks on behalf of the Australians for your kind expressions of good-will and welcome. AVe are all well and in good spirits. Our reception here has been grand.—(Signed) John Conway."