DEATH OF A NOTED RUGBY PLAYER.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2901, 13 October 1916, Page 6

DEATH OF A NOTED RUGBY PLAYER.

:—f- : MR. DAVID GAGE. / Whenever Rugby football doings 61 past years is revived there are certain brilliant performers :wnose names stand out - Doldly in silhouette " against the background of time—men whoso brilliancy on tho field made New Zealand foremost in the world. One such name is that of "Davy" Gage, who passed away at his residence, Hill (Kent Terrace) yesterday afternoon. The late Mr. Gage first came to Wellington about 1886 from Te Auto College, where he was a fellowstudent with the late Mr. T. R. Ellison, another Rugby "big chief." Joining the Poneko Club, he at once gained a prominent position, and was a Wellington representative in 1887. He played against Stoddart's English team on the Basin' Reserve, and in 1888 went Homo as a momber of tho Native football team which toured Great Britain. Ho was chosen to ' play fullback, but-as the season advanced ho was moved up. to half-back, and when tho team returned, Mr. M'Causland (tho secretary) declared that "Davy" was tho best all-round player in the combination. During his residence in Wellington he played for the Poneko Club, which in those days enjoyed a series of football triumphs, and afterwards went to Auckland, whore he also played representative football with equal success. In 1893 he went to Australia with tho Now Zealand team, captained by the late Mr. T. Ellison; in 1894 ho played in tho North Island v. South Island match, and in 1896 he playc4 aaginst tho Queensland team at Wellington, and he captained New Zealand against Queensland. On thirtysix occasions ho played for AVellington, and also represented Auckland and Hawke's Bay. On one occasion, playing against a strong Athletic team, ho "potted" three goals from tho fiold— a record in senior matches which stands to-day. "Davy" Gage was a player of marvellous durability. Ho had a long career of big football, ami with the Native team at Home he played in 68 of the 74 matches in tho tour—by far tho best record in the side. His captain in that team, T. R. Ellison, refers to him in his book on the game as follows: "David R. Gage, whose equal in defensive play tho world has not seen—a most scientific kick, and a perfect brick-wall to pass."