FOOTBALLERS REUNITE

Chronicle (Levin), 17 November 1947, Page 2

FOOTBALLERS REUNITE

-*■ RAHUI CLUB'S CONVIVIAL EVENING Members of the Rahui Football Club, with supporters and repfesentatives of various clubs, met at the racecourse building on Saturday night when there was an attendance of some fifty persons. A very convivial time was spent. ! Mr. H. Moffatt, president of the club, presided, and was supported by Mr. A. Gillespie, president of the Horo whenua Rugby Union, Mr. E. J. Cook, a union representative, and officers of the Rahui Club. During intervals in the fine supper provided Mr. Moffatt extended a welcome to all visitors. It was the first reunion for some time, he said, and he hoped that it would be as successful as previous ones. After apologies were tendered on behalf of Mr. T. V. Cahill, president of the Otaki Club, and Mr. J. E. Southgate, a staunch supporter of the club, the toast of "The King" was honoured. Mr. Moffatt then proposed the .toast, "The Visitors." Mr. Gregg, representative of the Waikanae Club, responded, and after thanking Rahui for its invitation, complimented the club on its success during the season, and spoke of the sporting qualities of the Rahui players. The chairman, in making men.tion of the Horowhenua Rugby Union and its president, said that there was not a better sport in the district than Mr. Gillespie. He referred to the importance of the union, and how it sat in judgment to settle intricate problems, successfully carried out. The union, he was pleased to say, was one composed of fair-minded menA. Mr. Gillespie, who was receiv'ed with applause, said he appreciated the remarks made, but reminded those present that members of the union were not permanent fixtures, and could be replaced annually. He thought that his union had done well. It had acted impartially, and had done its best, while in the delegates they had some good men. Both Messrs. Wylie and Cook had accomplished fine work. Although the season had not been a good financial one, the union had catere'd for all its players, arranging matches inside and outside the district for all its grades of players. The big item among footballers was to keep fit and know the rules. He suggested that all get rule-books and make themselves conversant with them. He considered that the amalgamation of Rahui and Otaki Clubs had been a good thing, and as a result a fine club had been established. Mr. Frank Rule proposed the toast of "The Rugby Union Officials," and in doing so spoke of the friendly association between union officials and players, adding that the friendshp had been wonderful. Mr. Cook, in replying. referred to the splendid services of Mr. Gillespie and the fine spirit of the various clubs in the union. He considered that the co-operation of the two local teams a good move, and as a result better football had been seen. Mr. Pat Wells endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, emphasising the need for all players to keep fit. If not fit one could not expect to play good football. Mr. Gregg also supported the "keep fit" suggestion, and he hoped that next year Waikanae' would have a better club than in the past. Mr. Gillespie spoke of the team spirit, and although some clubs had notf been too successful — Shannon for example — he hoped that the game would be played in a truly sporting way. Shannon had been unfortunate, winning only one championship in about fifty years, but still they had struggled on , and he hoped in future would have better success. The toast of "The Maori Racing Club" was made by the chairman, Yvho referred to the club being the only one' of its kiiid in the Dominion, while he considered there was 110 more popular club. He was pleased to know of its success and extended thanks for its liberality to various sports clubs. Mr. Jim Puti, in reply, gave the early history of football in Otaki and, proudly pointing to a medal he had won in his young days, stated how he and Mr. Tom Parata' had organised the district from Ohau to Waikanae to get a team, being determined to get one that would beat the then champions— Wanderers. He came to Otaki in 1914, and this was when he started the ball rolling. In 1910 he had played for Wanderers. It was with pleasure that he had entered a team for championship honours. Mr. Puti stated that with Mr. Stan Parker he had started the Rahui Club, and later was made selectorof the southern portion of the district. Football, he considered, the best of .the games, but it remainefl for players to do themselves justice by keeping fit. Mr. Arthur Knox spoke of the early days of the Rahui Club, its fine set of officers ancLtfle success the club had attained. Mr. H. G. Wylie spoke on similar lines, and at the same time paid tribute to the union. His club looked forward to another successful year. Mr. Colin Taylor proposed the toast of "The Referees," and in doing so referred to their arduous duties, but the. capable way in which they had officiated. Mr.

Cook, briefly responded on behalf of the referees. Mr. Gillespie, in proposing the toast of "The 'Maori People," spoke highly of their hospitality and generosity, and of their fine sporting ways. In anythng they undertook they put heart ad soul into it, bringing success. He spoke of the Maoris who had gained high honours in Rugby, and referred to the fact that New Zealand possessed Maori doctors and nurses who had done splendid work. Mr. Rikihana Carkeek, responding, stated that it was always a pleasure for Maoris to assist in any sport, or for anything for the good- of the people. He referred to the recent war, when the Maoris and Euro- : peans had fought side by side. Songs added to the pleasantness of the gathering.