THE DAVIS CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1920, Page 5

THE DAVIS CUP.

WELCOME TO THE PLAYERS. AUCKLAND'S FINE RECEPTION. Br T»l»p»pb.—Pxeii Association Auckland, Last Night. There was an overflow gathering at the Council Chambers to-day at noon, when the American lawn tennis players were wuloomed to Auckland by the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, on behalf of Australasia. Not only lawn tennis enthusiasts were present in large numbers, but prominent citizens also attended to show their interest in the event. The visitors were obviously surprised at the cordiality of their reception. The Mayor, in a very happy speech, said Aucklanders welcomed the American players from the bottom of their he-arts.

Mr. Norman E. Brookes, who, together with the other Australians sat on the Mayor's left hand, the Americans being on his right, was asked to say something, and he paid a very high tribute to the guests from personal knowledge of them. They were the very best of sportsmen on and off the field. Mr. Brookes was loudly cheered when he got up to speaki and there was no doubt of the cordiality of his reception. He said half-laughlngly that he had not expected it (referring, of course, to his remarks about the New Zealand weather when Auckland was first suggested as the jousting ground for the cup contest). From what he had heard from New Zealand "his name was mud." He then explained that anything he had said or done was solely m the interests of keeping the cup in the colonies. Referring to the coining matches, he said they were "up against the stiffest proposition they had ever had in their ■ lives," and added, with a smile, "we hope the best team will win, and that it will be us."

Mr. Hardy, captain of the American team. thanked the people for the "wonderful reception," and said he felt that tie was among friends.. As for. the cup they did not know any more than Mr. Brookes, but like him they "had hopes" The best thing ab,out the com petition was aot the trophy, but the men one met Even if they did not carry off the cup, said tyi, Hardy, it would give them_ tlte satisfaction of coming back to New Zealand and have the pleasure ,of meeting the people again. He thanked the people for thcii splendid reception, not only on behalf of himself and his comrades, but on behalf of the American ng^on. Mr Tilden ipokc of hisjpiraonal satisfaction in visiting any part of the British Empire, and mentioned the pleasuie it was to meet Mr Brookes again. After rousing cheers for the Americans and the Australians, the gathering sang the National Anthem.