THE SPRINGBOKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1921, Page 5

THE SPRINGBOKS.

WELLINGTON’S WELCOME. A CIVIC RECEPTION. By Telegranh —Press Association Wellington, Last Night. A civic welcome was accorded the Springboks to-day at the Town Hall, which was crowded. The Mayor (Mr. Wright) presided and there were also on the platform Sir Francis Bell (act-ing-premier) and representatives of the governing bodies of Rugby in Wellington and the Dominion. The GovernorGeneral sent a message expressing sincere regret at his inability to be present, and also regret that as he was leaving to-night for his southern tour Ihe was unable to nee the match t.o--i morrow, but he was looking forward to seeing the Springboks at Timaru. His Excellency asked the authorities to give the South Africans a good'time in the Dominion and plenty of good football. The Mayor extended a hearty welcome to th© visitors, who he described as worthy sons of worthy sires. He trusted their stay would be pleasant and when the time came to return homo they would do so with a wider and broader view of this portion of the Empire. The acting-Premier referred to the visitors as the pick of the young men of their country. Their visit was of interest to the Government and people of the Dominion as they were missionaries, and the Government would do its best to make the Springboks’ stay pleasant and would help footballers to see that they were treated as welcome guests of New Zealand. Other speakers welcoming the visitors were Dr. Newman (president of the Wellington Union), Councillor Luckie and Sir John Luke, and cheers were given for the visitors when Mr. Bennett (the manager) rose to reply. He spoke of the wonderful’ reception wherever they had been, which asconished and delighted them. Mr. Pienaar (captain) spoke in a similar strain and expressed confidence that his team would have a square deal everywhere. In response to repeated calls the Springboks gave their war cry and the , proceedings closed, as they opened, with the National Anthem.