William Gibbes, a clerk in the New South Wales audit department, was the assistant manager, who preceded the arrival of the team to finalise tour arrangements.
[6] In the first innings the Southland number 10, John Wesney, made 39 not out, and during a 21st-wicket partnership of 27 struck a ball from Spofforth over the fence.
[13] Tom Horan later wrote that the ground resembled a "worn-out potato paddock on which the lovers of the noble game endeavour to play to the detriment of their legs, body and head".
[1] Canterbury asked to play on even terms, with 11 players a side, but the Australians refused, hoping to prolong the game and thus increase the gate takings.
[19] Tom Horan scored 58 not out, but the rest of the Australian batsmen were troubled by Edwin Fuller, who took 8 for 35, finishing the innings off on the fifth day.
In all 20,000 spectators watched the match, but as the field was in a public park no admission fee could be charged, and the Australians' takings were disappointing.
The result caused some surprise in Australia, where the newspapers mixed their tributes to the good play of the Canterbury side with doubts about the pitch, the tour schedule and the New Zealand umpiring.
[24] The Wellington cricketers held a ball for the Australians on the evening of the 28th, and the dancing continued "till long past midnight".
Rather than toss a coin to decide who would bat first, the Australians asked to be allowed to field, in order to work off the effects of their journey.
[33] Only four New Zealand batsmen, all in South Island teams, reached 20; John Wesney of Southland was the highest scorer among them with 39 not out.
[15] The Australians returned to Australia and played several matches in New South Wales and Victoria in March before sailing for England.