ADMIRES NEW ZEALAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 946, 12 April 1930, Page 9

ADMIRES NEW ZEALAND

DUKE OF YORK TALKS TO RUGBY TEAM FOOTBALLERS A DINNER United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, Friday. Three hundred guests attended a dinner given by the New Zealand Association at the Savol Hotel to bid farewell to the British Rugby team. Among the distinguished persons present were the Duke of York, Lord Passfield, Secretary cf State for the Dominions, the Earl of Liverpool. Lords Desborough and Ampthill, Sir Charles Fergusson, Mr. T. M. Wilford and Sir James Mills.

The Duke of York, in responding to the toast of the Royal Family, referred to his visit to New Zealand. He said the time spent there had ieft a lasting admiration for the achievements and potentialities of

that Dominion. He assured sportsmen tha.t New Zealand afforded them allround scope. “I sampled several in the Dominion,” remarked the Duke, “but was not allowed to stay long enough anywhere to witness a cricket match.” (Laughter.) The touring team would find New Zealanders as determined hosts as they were players. He envied them their trip and wished them luck. Mr. Wilford read a message from the King wishing the players “bon voyage.” TEAM LEAVES ENGLAND Reed. 12.15 p.m. LONDON. Friday. The rugby team to tour New Zealand had the heartiest send off at Southampton, when the Rangatira sailed. Prentice who was appointed captain, says if the tea mdoes not suffer injuries. it will do well, though it must expect some hard games. CABLE FROM PRIME MINISTER Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. The following cablegram was dispatched by the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner on the occasion of the entertainment of the British f< % bailers by the New eZaland Association in London:—“On the occasion of the New Zealand Association’s annual dinner T extend on behalf of the. Government and people of this Dominion our warmest .greetings to our kinsfolk in the Mother Country and our good wishes to your guests for a most successful gathering. Please also inform the British Rugby team that a real welcome awaits it on its arrival here. Such visits assuredly serve to strengthen still further the affection which unites the two countries.”