OBITUARY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 103, 12 April 1933, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR. CHARLES JOHN MONKO. WORK FOR RUGBY FOOTBALL. PALMERSTON N., April 10. The death has occurred of Mr. Charles John Monro, who was one of those responsible for the introduction into New Zealand of Rugby football. Mr. Monro was born in Waimea West, Nelson, in 1841, being a son of the late Sir David Monro, who took a prominent part in the early politics of New Zealand and was Speaker of tho House of Representatives from 1861 to 1871. Mr. Monro was educated at Nelson College and later in England. On his return from England he wan instrumental in the introduction of the code which had been given the title of Rugby football. Prior to Mr Monro ’s return New Zealanders had been playing a form of football known as the Australian code. In 1870 Mr. Monro persuaded those so engaged to change to Rugby, thus playing a largo part toward organising the new code. He also took part in the first interprovincial Rugby match between Nelson and Wellington, played on Petone Paddock, near the site where the railway station now rftands. On coming to the Manawatu district in 1887 Mr. Monro maintained his association with sporting activities. He was an original member and first president of the Manawatu Golf Club. Himself a descendant of a long line of medical men, Mr. Monro’s three sons arc in the medical profession. He is survived by his wife, three sons, Major D. C. Monro, R.A.M.C., England. Dr. .1. 8. Monro, of Palmerston North, and Dr. H. M. Monro, of Ramsgate, England, and two daughters, Mrs. H. M. Gaisford and Miss L. Monro, both of Palmerston North.