ALL BLACKS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 105, 24 December 1931, Page 5

ALL BLACKS

(Press Assn.-

bad 1mpression aucklander's severe criticism of 1924 team MEMBERS INDIGNANT REPLY '

— By Telegraph— Copyright.)

AUCKLAND, Wednes. "The public of New Zealand is entitled to lcnow that the last team of All Blacks who toured Britain created a very bad impression. They were looked upon more as pot-hunt-ers than as sportsmen," sid Mr. H. R. Jenkins, formerly M.P. for Parnell, who returned from England this week. "I am sorry to have to say this," he added. "The English people do not talk 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 malte a marathon of it, rather than to win in a sportsmanlike spirit. I do not blame the individual players. The trouble originated in New Zealand owing to criticism by the public of the team chosen, and the object of the management was to win every match anyhow, so as to justify the selection. "It was a matter for gratifieation 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." The only Aucklanders in the 1924 All Blacks were C. E. O. Badeley, F. W. Lueas and .H. E. Cooke (now in Hastings) . When told of Mr„ JenJdns' remarks Lucas (who also went to South Africa and played in all four tests against the 1930 Britishers) expressed the opinion that it was absurd to raise such a question at this stage, when there was no controversy seven years ago while the New Zealanders were pursuing their victorious career. It is significant that before the teams' departure. from England its members were the guests of one of the most representative gatherings on record of British sportsmen, on behalf of whom the Prince of Wales presented a loving cup." said Lucas. While the 1924 All Blacks certainly did always play to win, they did not endeavour to maintain an unbeaten record at "all costs," nor at the expense of the true sportsman spirit, which was evidenee by the sportsmanship and camaraderie which were the key-notes of the great farwell referred to. Even in the few matches in which there were regrettable incidents the New Zealanders had not started the rough play. Lucas concluded with the remark that he would like to hear what Mr. C. Wray (New Zealand representative on the Rugby Union) would say when such a statement as that attributed to Mr. Jenkins was brought to his notice. Some folk in the Old Country did not like the visiting side carrying all before it.