"ALL BLACKS" RETURN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8060, 7 March 1906, Page 2

"ALL BLACKS" RETURN.

GItEAT KECEPTIOS AT AUCKLAND. rwi ruKss association. Aitki.ani/, March 15. .L'he New Zealand footballers arrived by the mail steamer Sonoma this afternoon, and were accorded a most enthusiastic reception. Though it was not u public holiday, an enormous crowd gathered 011 the wharf aud in Queenstreet. Many of the buildings were gaily decorated with flags.

The Premier went out aud met the steamer at the Heads, and two crowded excursion boals also went down and gave the learn a cheer. All along llie line of route lo the Royal Hotel, windows and verandahs were lilled willi spectators, as the procession passed along. At live ii cluck the public reception was held outside I lie Municipal Building, where ;i great crowd assembled, lhc Mayor (Mr A. Myers) extended a hearty welcome lo the "All Blacks," on behalf of Ihe citizens of Auckland and congratulated (hem ou their success. He Imped they would meet with similar success when they settled down once more to their work in the industrial world, •

Mr iSeddon gave the team a hearty welcome houic (o Xew Zealand. He said when Auckland did a thing, it always did it well, and the whole ol New Zealand would he proud of Auckland tor the splendid rception given to the team. He also expressed pleasure at the presence of the Admiral (who was heartily cheered). They had an Admiral who knew how to have his ships at the right time 111 the right place. (Cheers and laughter.)

He was not afraid to refer to the Welsh match, The New Zealand team, like true sportsmen, had not said a word against the decision in that match, though the general consensus of opinion was iliat it was not a defeat it all, but try against try. (Applause.) The Premier read a letter from tin High Commissioner, referring to the good conduct of the team. Both on and off the Held they had upheld thi name of New Zealand as athletes, sportsmen, and gentlemen. Messrs Dixon (manager), and Gallagher (captain) briefly spoke. The) said they expected a welcome perhapt from footballers, but never dreamed oi such a great public reception from the citizens as a whole, They had done oheir best to uphold the honor of New Zealand, and had always endeavoured to play the game. In the evening a banquet was held it which the Premier, the Mayor, and leading citizens were present, and ; number of speeches were made. Tin Premier and members of the tcau ivere presented with medals commemorating the International victories.