Feilding Rugby Interests Re-union

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7276, 2 October 1933, Page 3

Feilding Rugby Interests Re-union

The reunion of the combined football clubs of Feilding was 'held in the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening, Mr Gordon Eliott, vice-president of the Feilding Club end of the Feilding Old Boys’ Club, occupying the chair. There was a representative gathering of members and supporters of both clubs, together with visitors representing the code throughout the Manawatu and the sub-union districts. Apologies for absence were received from Mr A. IV. Thompson, president of the Manawatu Rugby' Union, and Mr L. A. Plank, Manawatu Referees' Association, both of whom conveyed greetings and good wishes for the success of the gathering, while regretting that an important meeting of the district Educational Institute claimed their attention. An apology was also received from the Mayor, Mr C. E. Taylor. Proposing the toast of the "Manawatu Rugby Union,” the chairman recalled that he was secretary of the union in : 1983, when the same spirit of cordiality existed between Palmerston North and Feilding. Football in this district to-day had reached a standard as high as it had been for many years. It was undoubtedly on the up grade, and (the management had a very great deal to do with this. The officials of the union were handling the affairs of the union in a. thoroughly capable manner and whatever criticism had been levelled at the union had been for the good of Rugby in the district. (Applause.) .

Replying, Mr V. Morphy acknowledged the tribute paid to the union, which had fulfilled its role of fostering the game and tho spirit down the years. It had encouraged tho game throughout an extensive district aud pulled its weight iu securing national recognition of outstanding players. Mr T. L. Mills proposed the toast of tho Foil ding Football Executive, and in the course of his remarks made reference to the early days of tho game. He knew -the famous Tom Ellison, who always dominated the game, producing amazing form. Both players and supporters of.the code owed a great debt of gratitude to tho Feilding Football Executive, whoso motive power was Mr Tom Collins. (Applause.) It was •the enthusaisin of Mr Collins that created tho executive, and he was really the prime mover in all local Rugby activities.

Mr Collins, in reply, dealt with the creation of tho executive, which played its part in securing for Feilding its present Rugby ground with its appointments. That was not all. Quietly working, the executive set itself the task of providing a gymnasium worthy of Feilding, and he was able to state that it was very probable that before next Rugby season dawnod Feilding would have that, essential equipment. (Applause.) He could further state that both gymnasium aud equipment would be erected and provided free of debt. He thanked the gathering for its expression of appreciation of the work of the executive.

The toast of the "The Feilding Football Clubs and Sister Clubs" was proposed by Mr G. J. Fitzpatrick, who first extended congratulations to the Feilding Old Boys* Club on its triple success in the Manawatu competitions. That club also deserved congratulations in that the captain of the Manawatu representative team was drawn from its ranks, whilo it also had the honour of having one of its players nominated for New Zealand representation. The speaker went on to refer to the history of the "Yellows,"who had won distinction during a worthy career. Feilding was veTy proud of the wearers of tho yellow and black jersey. It was a plucky act of the St, Patrick’s Club to play senior Rugby during tho past season, when they gave a sterling exhibition of the code. Mr Davidson (St. Patrick's Club), Mr N. Penney (Feilding Old Boys’ Club), and Mr O'. Hight made the responses. The Referees* Association was one of the finest organisations connected with the game, said' Mr Collins in proposing the toast of "The Referees." The game could not get on without them, and they deserved the very best thanks of all' supporters of the game. (Applause.) Acknowledgment was made by Mr "Ted" Clevely. The toast of "The Ban-ackers" was handled by Mr D. Whisker, without whose help, lie said, a match would be very dull affair. Quite a lot of fun

came from the "gallery,” not forgetting "Darky” Wickham and “Roudy" Woodman, (Laughter,) Mr H, Woodman suitably replied, The Oroua and Te Kawau SubUnions were toasted enthusiastically at the instance of Mr K. M. Little, Mt Stackhouse (Oroua Sub-Union) replying.

The Press was toasted as the programme drew- to a close, Musical numbers were, contributed by Messrs A. Feeney, N. Gibsone, 0. Eade, g, Bramwell and Gillespie,