Crosses the Line For Last Time

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 33, 2 May 1927, Page 12

Crosses the Line For Last Time

FAMOUS FOOTBALLER DEAD MR. “BOB” WHITESIDE The death occurred in Auckland on Saturday of Mr. Robert Whiteside, one of Auckland’s most famous old-time Rugby players. For a considerable time Mr. Whiteside had been in failing health, but news of his death at the opening of a new season in Rugby football came as a painful shock at Eden Park this afternoon. In the eighties, “Bob” Whiteside, as he was affectionately known to a host of football friends up and down New Zealand, was in the heydey of his great career. As a three-quarter he was one of the finest scoring men in the game, combining a fine turn of speed with great determination and grit in his play. He represented Auckland at intervals from 1882 to 1888. Last year, when Sir Henry Braddon, of Sydney, was visiting Auckland he made a special visit to Mr. Whiteside’s home to renew’ old acquaintances with his great rival on the football field. Sir Henry was a member of the first New Zealand team which toured Australia in 1884. and as an Otago representative full-back had cause to remember the flying Auckland winger, and his tremendous rushes for the goal-line. Mr. Whiteside was 67 years of age at the time of his death. Seven days ago he was taken to hospital suffering from general collapse and paralysis, and the end came at three o’clock th » morning. His death will be widelv regretted by a host of friends in all parts of the Dominion.