NEW GRANDSTAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 206, 1 September 1936, Page 16

NEW GRANDSTAND.

KING COUNTRY CEREMONY

RUGBY MAKES PROGRESS

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

TTC KUITI, Monday.

Under extreme wintry conditions, before a large attendance of the public, the Copsey memorial grandstand was declared open on Saturday by Mr. L. V. Carmini, president of the King Country Rugby Union. Mr. J. Anderson, president "of the Maniapoto Sub-union, briefly introduced Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, member for the district, who congratulated the members of the Maniapoto Rugby Union on the progress made and on the possession of one of the driest grounds in the Dominion.

Mr. Broadfoot stressed the important influence of football on the national life.

Mr. Carmini said the Rugby park, comprising an area of nine acres, was purchased by the Maniapoto Sub-union for £700. The new grandstand would accommodate 400 people. The New Zealand Rugby Union had advanced £200 towauls the cost, this being in addition to the £000 already advanced towards the purchase of the ground. The Maniapoto Rugby Union was formed in 1007, when it was affiliated with the Waikato and South Auckland. Later a union was formed in the King Country, covering an area of 10,000 square miles and I comprising the Kawhia, Maniapoto,] Ohura, Taumarunui, Kaitieke, Ruapelnf and Tokaanu sub-unions, with over 1000 players participating in the games every Saturday.

Many foundation members of the union were present, being still active in the administration of the games.

Mr. Carmitii, in unveiling a memorial tablet, paid an eloquent tribute to the late Mr. William Copsey, president of the King Country and Maniapoto Unions at the time of his death. The memorial tablet was erected by all the sporting bodies and friendly societies of tiie district.