HORSE TRANSPORT

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1942, Page 4

HORSE TRANSPORT

For League Footballers

The feasibility .of horse drawn transport for football teams was discussed at last evening’s meeting of the West Coast Rugoy League, the suggestion being made as a result of the inability of motor buses to carry footballers in view of the tyre shortage. Mr. P, Blanchrield (president), said that owing to shortage of tyres, buses could not now take teams to the fieid of play, and next week clubs would be faced with a proolem. He had been advised raat only 1G tyres were alloted to the West Coast each month, and that timber lorries through the bursting of tyres, were cutting out the supply, leaving none for buses. Some three-ton lorries, it was! stated were taking six tons loads. Therefore the bus proprietors v> ! ere compelled to cut out every possiblespecial license. No buses would be available for sport at ail. He suggested that Marist Club could travel to Wingham Park by horse and cart. “In the good oid days,” said Mr. J. Kidd, “Blackball used to travel to Neison Creek by horse and cart, but they did not return till the Tuesday night at the earliest. If the League advertises a horse and cart service leaving the Post Office for Wingham Park, they will get a great crowd.” “I picked it months ago that it would be tyres and not petrol that would put the private motorist off the road,” said Mr. A. Kjie.

. The chairman: “What if Brunner cannot get conveyance to Winghum Park? I suggest thev bike over, or get a horse and cart.” Mr. J. Griffen: “Can we get petrol if we cannot get the tyres. If we can. we could take teams in private cars.” .

“I don’t like the prospects of getting petrol for football,” said the chairman. “I took the Wai’ Effort Committee to Paroa in my car one night, and I could not get the gallon of petrol back.” '‘lt is no good lying down on it.” said Mr. Griffen. “We have to get the teams around in some way, even if it means cutting Hokitika out."

The secretary (Mr. W. P. Moore), saidi that there did not appear to be much chance of playing the tmrd grade teams. Mr. Kvle asked if the third grade competition could be piayed on Saturdays. -Most of the players arc working,” said the secretary.

Mr. Kyle said the competition could be played on every second Saturday'. “just to give toe boys a game.” It was finally decided to hold over the question of fields for the week's fixtures, and to approach ail clubs to see what could be done in regard to Saturday football.