The British Footballers.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 190, 16 August 1904, Page 2

The British Footballers.

ARRIVAL IN TABANAKI,

Ciowds thronged l tho streets in the 'vicinity of the railway station and : the Criterion liotal last night in oa- , ger expectation of the arrival of the British footballers. S o on there was a murnuir of discontent and disappointment. "Is it true ?" was eagerly asked, It was only too - true. Word Imd been received that the line was blocked at Manutahi, and the express train would be delayed for a couple of hours at least. Just-before 8.15 p.m. the Harrison Band played a lively quickstep, marched along Devon and Egmont Streets to the railway depot, and returned, still playing to the main street, where they were temporarily dismissed. Tho • arge reception committee gradually dwindled away, and as the midnight hour drew nigh the crowd showed signs of diminution. By-and-bye earner a, message that the delayed train would arrive just before midnight. Judging by the enthusiastic proceedings when the belated team at last reached their destination, what a monster reception would have been accorded the visitors had it been possible to carry out the original arrangements!. Just before twelve o'clock the express steamed in, the band played the national airs, concluding with "Rule, Britannia," the crowd surged and cheered'—a ringing collection of salvos. The liritisihers were met by His Worship the Mayor, Mr R. Cock, and presented by Mr F. T." Bellringer, town clerk and chairman of the Management Committee of the Taranaki Rugby Union, who with Mr C. Arndt, the secretary, and Mr Alf. Eayly, the president, had, accompanied the team on the northward trip. Messrs Medley and Browne, borough councillors, Mr (I. Griffiths, secretary Referees' Association, and Mr Bewley, chairman of tlie Chamber of Commerce, were also present. Drags conveyed the visitors and officials, with, several members of the Luranaki team, to the Criterion Hotel, the Garrison Band on the march, the cheering and excited crowds, making the scene a memorable one, as showing the great hold that football has obtained on the Taranaki public, and the present desire to extend a hearty welcome to '.he visitors from over the seas. Arrived at the Criterion Hotel, a band, of twenty Maoris, led by Morere, welcomed the visitors in true native fashion, dancing a haka, gesticulating and vociferating with great gusto, and aJl'ordiing the British visitors their lirst glimpse of a Maori greeting. The haka was repeated again and agiain, amidst cheers, much to tho edification of the large crowd and the Britons, who seemed to take keen interest despite the late hour and their fatigue after a long and cold journey. Tho natives formed a guard of honour as the visitors entered the hotel, and were afterwards complimented by many members of the team. A. few minutes> later the Mayor formally welcomed l the team from the balcony, on which were grouped the Lady Mayoress, the members of the reception committee and Rugby Union officials, and members of the two team?. His Worship briefly expressed the pleasure it gave him fo tender, on behalf of the citizens, a hearty welcome to the British team. He regretted the railway mishap, which had interfered with the players' comfort antij the committee's arrangements, but thought it not yet too late to extend a public greeting from the land of "kumi-kums and milk." (Cheers.) Whatever the re suit of the match on Wednesday, the Taranaki people would extend the right hand ol friendship, and entertain the visitors right loyally, and that either team was composed of men who could take- a beating. (Cheers.) Mr BedcU-Sivwright, the British captain, briefly thanked the citizens for turning out in such large numbers to give the team such a great reception—totally unexpected at such an hour. It spoke well for New Zealand's hospitality. Of course they (the Taranaki public) were glad the New Zealanders had won the big match, and he must acknowledge that His men wvre fairly beaten. (Cheers.) In again thanking tliem he specially mcivtionid the native demonstration. Cheers were given on tho call of the Mayor for the visitors, and at Mr Sivwright's request for the Mayor and citizens of New Plymouth.

The visitors, after a light supper, were glad to retire to rest, having been seventeen hours on the train, with the disadvantages of wet weather transhipment given in gratis. he following is the Maori welcome odo sung in honour of the British team's arrival Ivuniajnai te wiaka Toea inai te waka Kaiteurunga te waka Kitimoengate waka Kititaku toranga E taku toai te waka A liberal interpretation being : Pull the canoe in, pull the canoe in, l\> the place where they have to stop." This welcome is usually given when friendly tribes are approaching the shores, 'and the natives ashore laid them assistance in landing. A brake will bo at the disposal of the British team to-day if they desire to practice, .and it has been arranged to take them for a drive this afternoon. This evening the Guards' ball is to be held in l the Drill I-lall, and the visitors have accepted an invitation to be present. Earlier in the evening they will attcna tho theatre, where "His Excellency the Governor" is to be produced by the Williamson Comedy Company.