MAORIS RETURN

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10301, 10 January 1927, Page 5

MAORIS RETURN

RUGBY TEAM LEAVES LONDON

DELGHTED WITH TOUR

TRIBUTES TO FRENCH AND ENGLISH PLAYERS

LONDON'

Jan

Merrily singing the “frothblowers’ ” anthem and performing a farewell haka, 26 members of the Maori team steamed out of Euston station amid the cheers of a large crowd, Mr Wray accompanying the team to Liverpool. Mr Parata and S. Gemmcll arrive at Wellington by the Xarkunda a day after the team reaches Auckland The manager, Mr Harris, m an interview, paid a tribute to the kindness and courtesy shown everywhere in Britain and France. They are delighted with the results of the tour. The team will receive the Prince of Wales’ medals from Mr. Coates after their arrival. Mr Harris said he was agreeably surprised by the high standard of play in England, where they found an abundance of first-class players. He had no wish to make any excuse for defeats beyond pointing out that the wet grounds did not- suit the Maoris’ best form. An earlier selection of English international _ teams would ensure a spirit of combination and better results. Considering the short time the French had played Rugby their standard was marvellous. "There were already stars. Best-on was one of the finest threequarters he had ever seen. French schools were keenly fostering Rugby, and would provide fine recruits, enhancing the standard of play. Barclay, who was wearing a slipper, owing to a poisoned toe from a hurt on the hard ground in the final match in Paris, said be was satisfied with the results of the torn. The touches! struggles in _ Britain were the first match at Newport, and the last at Cardiff.—A. and N.Z.C.A.