1924 ALL BLACKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1075, 23 July 1924, Page 6

1924 ALL BLACKS.

SATURDAY’S BIG GAAIE.

Two decades- have passed since an All Black team left these shores on a world tour, but the 1924 team will have added interest for local and district enthusiasts by reason of the fact that Palmerston North will have the honour of staging'the final game in New Zealand prior to these giants of the Rugby world setting out on their tour. The Showgrounds on Saturduy will thus be the mecca of all Rugby enthusiasts from far and near to view the game when the forces of Manawatu and Horowhenua will combine to meet tho New Zealand team. The previous occasion on which these unions joined forces to play a visiting fifteen was against the famous Springbok team in 1921. The outcome was a happy one, and local enthusiasts still have pleasant memories of the contest when the apparently weak home team emerged with colours Dying, only being beaten by three points. A'lr J. Ryan, an ex-All Black of wide reputation, has the , local men under his charge, and it is confidently expected that the 1924 team will take the field in a condition fully equul to that of 1921. In view of tho fact that the big attraction is timed to commence at one o’clock, the gates will be opened at 11.30 a.in., while all school children, town or country, will, if marshalled by their teachers at the side entrance, be admitted at u reduced rate at 12 noon.

At tho conclusion of the All Black match a representative game will be played between Alanawatu and To Kawau Unions, and will complete a wonderfully attractive programme. The retailers of Palmerston North re quest the general public to shop early on Saturday to allow their staffs an opportunity of attending the match. Their premises will be closed from 12.30 p.in. to 15 minutes after the All Black match euds, when business will bo resumed.

REFEREE APPOINTED. The New Zealand Referees’ Association has appointed Mr W. J. O’Neill to referee in Saturday’s match, All Blacks versus Manuwatu-Horowhenua. Air O’Neill is a well-known Hawke’s Bay referee und has officiated in Ranfurly Shield matches in 1922 and 1923.