RANFURLY SHIELD

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 241, 8 September 1927, Page 7

RANFURLY SHIELD

WENT S’OUTH THIS MORNING. £2OOO IN GATES. RESULT OF THREE MATCHES. As a result of the three Ranfurly Shield games playod in Palmerston North, the coffers of the Manawhenua Rugby Union will, it is understood, benefit to the extent of £2OOO. On the occasion of the Taranaki game a week ago £SBO was taken, whilo the Wanganui fixture on Saturday last was responsible for a further £565. Yesterday’s game netted the union £BSO, the largest sum ever taken at a representative fixeure in Palmerston North and being exceeded only by the Springbok and All Black gates. Ten days ago the Manawhenua Union, as the result of its northern tour, was £2OO in debt —now it has £IBOO to its credit and will, without embarrassment, bo able to carry out its contemplated southern 'tour next year. Last year, it is interesting to note, tho biggest Rugby gate in Palmerston North was £IOO, thus showing how profitable the Ranfurly v Shield was to tho local union, despite its short stay here. The Canterbury team left for Wellington this morning with the shield, tho coveted trophy having been handed over to them last evening by Mr A. M. Ongley, president of the Manawhenua Union. At tho station the tourists were farewelled by local officials and members of the Manawhenua team. It is possible that another shield fixture will be played this season, South Canterbury having challenged Canterbury provisionally on the latter team lifting the trophy from Manawhenua. Provided the New Zealand Union consents, Canterbury, it is stated, will play their neighbouring union at Christchurch with tho shield at stake.