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Mr. M. F. Nicholls.

A large gathering of his fellow-employees at Head Office met Mr. M. Nicholls in the chief accountant's office for the purpose of bidding him farewell previous to his departure with the All Blacks for South Africa. He was presented with a handsome travelling bag as a mark of esteem by the staff.

Mr. James Mason, member of the Railway Board, who made the presentation, said that the railwaymen were proud of the fact that Mr. Nicholls had been selected. Everyone was alive to the fact that South Africa would leave no stone unturned to defeat New Zealand, but the New Zealand selectors had chosen a stalwart body of men who would play up to the best traditions of the game. The railways were also pleased to have other members of the service (Messrs. Mercer and Lilburne) go with the All Blacks, and their movements would be followed with the keenest interest.

Mr. H. Valentine, chief accountant, and Messrs. Porteous, O'Connor, and Boult joined in expressing good wishes towards Mr. Nicholls.

In responding, Mr. Nicholls said that he appreciated very much the laudatory remarks made and the magnificent presentation bag. He assured them that the team would do its utmost to win all matches. If beaten, and that might happen if they met a stronger team on the day, he hoped that such defeat would be taken in the best spirit, and they would expect the people of New Zealand to realise that the team had done its best.