RUNANGA Public Farewell To Members Of N.Z. League Team

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 July 1947, Page 6

RUNANGA Public Farewell To Members Of N.Z. League Team

Pleasure at the splendid representation gained by the West Coast in the New .Zealand Rugby League team to tour England and France was expressed by the speakers at the valedictory function held in the Miners' Hall, Runanga, last evening; The function, which was arranged by a committee of Runanga citizens to farewell the three Runanga members of the touring team, Messrs L. Hunter (manager), J. Newton and J. Forrest (players) was largely attended, with visitors from all parts of the West Coast. The Mayor (Mr E. W, Kennedy) presided, and associated with him on the platform were the guests of the evening, and Messrs B. F. Connors (president of the West Coast League), T. Merriman (vice-presidtfnt Runanga Club), T. F. McKenzie (Referees’ Association),’J. Oakley (selectors), J. Timlin (Soccer Association), and Mrs L. Kennedy (Women’s committee). The Mayor, in congratulating Mr Hunter on his appointment as team manager and Mr Newton and Mr Forrest on selection as New Zealand representatives, said that it was a tribute also to such a small town as Runanga, that three men should gain places in the touring team. Mr Hunter had been associated with League football since its inception, and the two players had played the league code from school days. On behalf of the citizens he wished them a successful tour and a pleasant time.

Memorable Occasion Mt Connors said it was not only a memorable occasion for Runanga but also for the West Coast Rugby League, and he was sure league football would benefit by the tour. He recalled that at the annual meeting of the New Zealand League which he attended, Mr T. A. McClymont was asked to “take stock” of the players available for an English tour, and he stated that he considered Jack Newton to be the “finest footballer on two legs in New Zealand.” Jack Forrest had proved his metal in the trial matches. The most optimistic expectations was for four or five West Coast representatives in the team. When the players returned they owed a duty to the code, added Mr Connors, and he hoped they would continue for many years to take an active part as Mr N. Griffiths had done since his playing days. He paid a tribute to Mr Hunter who, he said, had sustained his interest in leaguethrough the early and difficult years to the present time. Mr Merriman extended the congratulations of the members of the Runanga club. Mr McKenzie said that the referees could take satisfaction in the selection, and felt that they had played some part in the developments. In humorous vein, he said he hoped the players would abide by the rules better in England and France than they did on the West Coast. He concluded with a tribute to Mr Hunter. Mr Oakley, on behalf of Messrs J. Dodds, N. Griffiths and himself as selectors, paid a tribute to the behaviour of the selected players on and off the field, and wished them bon voyage. Mr Timlin added the good wishes of the soccer code.

Mrs L. Kennedy made a presentation of a wallet of notes to each of the guests. Early Days of Code Mr Hunter paid his first acknowledgment to the forbearance and understanding of his wife in _ the years he had been actively associated with league football. Pie recalled when the offer of a team manager was made that he discussed the matter with his wife, who replied that he bad spent 30 years in football and another seven or eight months would not matter. He was pleased that six of the Coast players selected had come right through from school days in the league code to representative honours.

He said that the first league match played on the Coast was in 1915 when the late Dr Thacker arranged, a visit by a Canterbury team. The speaker played on that day. The code started officially in 1919 with the Blackball, Kohnioor and Runanga clubs. Today there were between 400 and 500 players. He liked the team selected, and felt confident that there was every opportunity for success. The tour would cost the league about £16,000, and transport, accommodation and food problems had addea to the worries of the officials. He paid a tribute to the West Coast Board of Control, saying that it was the progressive management that resulted in. the success of league on the Coast. He hoped, and felt- confident, that the representatives from the West Coast would uphold its prestige. Mr Newton thanked the women’s committee for arranging the function and the club’s coach, Mr N. Griffiths.

During the evening musical items were given by Mrs A. Taylor, Mrs A. Sparks, Mrs K. Henderson, Miss A. Gallon, Miss L. Thompson, Mr H. Boote and Mr T. Anderson. Mrs A. Airns and Mrs J. Airns were accompanists.