RANFURLY SHIELD

Evening Star, Issue 22453, 25 September 1936, Page 1

RANFURLY SHIELD

DEFENDERS' EFFORTS RECOGNISED PRESENTATIONS TO BE MADE TO TEAM A meeting was held last evening to discuss methods whereby the general public could recognise the efforts of the Otago football team, which has so far successfully defeated visiting challengers for the Ranfurly Shield. The convener, Mr A. R. Lawry, who also acted as chairman, expressed disappointment at the small number present, and hoped that a larger gathering would attend the second meeting. In opening the meeting, Mr Lawry said that the occasion was unique in Otago, it being the first time the province had successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield for a whole season, and he thought that the footballers should be in some way rewarded. Although other suggestions would, no doubt, be received, he thought that a souvenir of the matches would be an ideal gift. The speaker a sketch of a suggested souvenir, which took the form of a statuette of a football player with a ball under his arm, and small goalposts at either end of the, souvenir, all of which are mounted on greenstone and kauri. On one side of the upper surface there could bo a small silver plate with a list of the players, and on the other a plate with the record of m'atches played. Across the base would be: “Ranfurly Shield Defenders, 1936, from the Citizens of Otago.” The mementos could be presented to the players at a special concert in either the Town Hall or Concert Chamber.. Those present wished to know how much the proposed memento would cost, for, although it might be comparatively easy to collect the money, there was always the question of an amateur’s status. It was thought that tho difficulty may be overcome in some way, and- the matter was postponed until the next meeting. < After some discussion, Mr Williams moved that a subscription list be opened to collect money from tho general public. Mr Spedding seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Tt was decided that an appeal be conducted through the Press, and that collectors be present at Carisbrook to-morrow. The next meeting was fixed for Tuesday, September 29, at 7.30 p.m. The following officers were elected: — Chairman, Mr A. H. Lawry; secretary, Mr R. H. Steele; treasurer, Mr W. G. Kindley: committee—Dr A. Perry, Messrs E. W. Falck, L. G. Hill, J. Williams. S. C. Knox, H. A. Hamer, D. M. Spedding, W. Gallop, M. Higgins, W. Mowat. G. A. Coughlan, J. A. Armit, D. M. Wildey, and D. C. Jolly.