CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1921, Page 3

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM WELCOMED.

INTERESTING SPEECHES.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright. London, April 26.

Sir Newton Moore presided at the luncheon given by the Australian and New Zealand Club to the cricket team in the Connaught Rooms. Ho read a letter from Lord Hawke, apologising for his absence, congratulating the team on its success, and adding: "I am sure they will forgive me if I express the hope that they will not be so successful over here.”

Sir Newton Moore proposed the health of the team. He said he had received a letter from General Birdwood in which he expressed delight that the team contained a large number of Australian soldiers. He felt that their victories were almost a continuation of the A.I.F. victories.

Lord Harris, supporting the toast, expressed the opinion that Mr. Hughes had had a great deal to say in the selection of 1921 for the Imperial Conference and showed great wisdom In choosing the same year as that In which the tests would be played in England. He knew that Armstrong's team played tbe game <n the highest tone, and therefore cordially welcomed them. He congratulated them on their magnificent performance. He was convinced that in a short period English cricket wou.d regain tbe prestige which had been damaged by the war. He wished the Australians an enjoyable season with a moderate amount of success.

Mr. P. F. Warner, in a racy epeech. In which he recalled personal incidents of his visits to Australia, paid a high tribute to Armstrong as a sportsman. Warner claimed some of the credit in discovering Gregory for Australia. It was a Gregory who brought the first eleven to England - in 187&. The real reasoh why Australia, with a population of five millions, could hold its own with England’s 45 millions, was Australia’s extraordinary cricketing courage in tlgbt corners.

Mr. A. C. McLaren also spoke, saying his most charming matches were those with the Australians, who always played the game. He had played more than 60 innings aga’nst Australia, and- never left tbe crease dissatisfied with the decision. One reason was because they always bowled him out. It was a very great shock to the English that during tbe recent tour one or two players expressed dissatisfaction with • decisions against them. Today Australia had only three umpires against England’s 30, but Australians always umpired fairly.

Armstrong, responding to the toast, said it was grand to be welcomed by so many Australians. He had no time to say much because they wanted a lot of practice. Alluding to the umpiring, he said there were never two fairer umpire than those of Australia during the recent tour. He paid a tribute W Douglas, whose team was highly popular and pulled together. He did not agree with ntmors to the contrary in England. '‘Johnny** (Douglas) always played the game on and off the field. Thej’ would have beaten England whoever had captained them, Warner, Maclaren or anyone else. Although Australia bad a young and confident team, he was not over confident of beating England under the new conditions.

Mr. Smith, the manager, also responded.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.