KING TO RETIRE.

ALL BLACK CAPTAIN.

End of Rugby Career After Final Test at Auckland.

(By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) C'HRISTCIIUKOII, this day.

R. R. King, captain of the All Blacks, will definitely play his last game of Rugby on the occasion of the third Test at Auckland to-day week.

King, who was in Christchurch to-day as skipper of the West Coast team which played Canterbury, said the main reason for his decision was need to think of the future. '"I am only 2G, but I have been playing football since I was seven or eight years old, and I have been away on several tours. Now other things must conic first. There are times when one must give one's thoughts to other things in life."

King is now attached to the Public Works Department, and from October 1, when he commences a training period in Cliristchurch, he will devote the whole

of his time to work. Early next year lie will return to the West Coast and join the regular staff of the Department, in charge of the power lines conveying electricity from Lake Coleridge over the

Ron King received hi* education at Hokitika District High School, and he had the bad luck of coming out into the world to seek work when the depression was at its worst. He went on to dredge work, and it was not until recently that he secured a chance to forge out a career for himself, and he intends to po right on with that "job."

Though King's days as an active player will end on .September 20, he will continue to take a keen interest in the game, and assist, by every means in his power, young players who desire coaching and encouragement.