STREAM OF HUMANITY

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 154, 29 May 1930, Page 2

STREAM OF HUMANITY

CROWD THRONGS THE GROUND. INCIDENTS DURING THE MATCH. LAW GUARDIANS BUSY. Streaming to the Sliow r grounds from near and far at an early hour yesterday, spectators sought all the vantage points in their determination to secure a good view of the Rugby game, and unorthodox and ingenious methods by some late-comers to overcome the difficulties which prevented them from obtaining a complete view, kept the remainder of the crowd in good humour, keenly but patiently awaiting the start of the match. When the Manawhenua team filed out on to the field first, the sentiments of local patriotism found ready expression from the thousands of throats, many of which were decidedly hoarse at the close of the game. There was not a surprising amount of mud underfoot, considering the rain which had fallen, and the trampling of thousands. With the arrival of the last remnants of the crowd of about twelve thousand spectators ivho thronged the ground, the usual incidents inseparable from such an occasion wcre witnessed.

Benzine boxes and tins were at a premium, and many had brought portable seating accommodation after laborious efforts in reaching the ground. Youthful salesmen, realising that a golden harvest was to be reaped, were soon busy retailing boxes to late-comers or those of small stature, while other spectators purchased bags to spread over the wet ground. The juvenile element was in strong evidence on the southern side of the ground, and little fellows could be seen squirming their way among adult legs, scrambling over or under fences, and peering between outsize hats which moved to and fro, temporarily obstructing their view. Before the game started the grandstand was packed with talkative, excited humanity. Few witnessed the rush at the rear of the old grandstand, where agile climbers, practically falling over one another in their haste, mounted by various stages to the roof. Their position, however, became somewhat dangerous when, after the first few hardy spirits had made their appearance on the top, the vantage point became too popular. Soon it was almost untenable owing to the threatened danger of a collapse. Police admonitions were futile, and finally the tallest policeman in Palmerston North made his way to the top of the roof, where he engaged in a general clearance of spectators who were reluctant to abandon their positions. There was a game of chase over the roof top until it was ultimately cleared.

From the sloping roof of the band rotunda, where there was a cluster of humanity round the flagpole, with others perched in the most precarious positions, there, were cries of derision as the spectators were chased off the grandstand roof. There were several miniature disasters round the edges of the Oval when, after ominous creaks, boxes collapsed under heavy weights. Numbers exploited the cattle-race as a means of gaining access to the Oval, while every available inch on top was occupied. Spectators even made their appearance on the long roof ridge of the main show halls. Round the fences spectators stood six or eight deep in places, craning their necks for glimpses of the most exciting incidents of the game. There was a noticeable hush over tho crowd as Manawhenua’s chances of holding the visitors and keeping the score down to a narrow margin steadily diminished. Each time the chain of English backs went away on a fast passing rush there were murmurs of “Here they come” and a further disconsolate prediction of “another score.” However, the clean fast play of the visitors was appreciated immensely and a generous meed of praise was bestowed upon them. When Manawhenua secured their first try the youthful element ran riot. Small boys rushed up and down almost frantic with delight. Hats, sticks, and coats were thrown into the air in the general excitement. There were several interludes when boys come to blows during the match, and the guardians of the law were constrained to check the combatants on more than one occasion. However, the crowd was orderly, although those who at first ventured to stand inside the Oval in front of other irate spectators soon realised that discretion was the better part of valour. There was a litter over the ground when, at the conclusion of the match, the crowd made an undignified rush for the exits through which they bustled and pushed their way in their efforts to emerge quickly. Many were carried out on to the middle of the road by the flowing human tide. There were many traffic jams as vehicles began to crawl away in every direction and the crowds poured from the gates for a considerable time. Half an hour after the conclusion of tho match, the Showground which had been the venue for football fans from miles around, was deserted.

Vehicular traffic in Cuba Street was dense, while every garage in the town was taxed to capacity. It is computed that there were well over 2000 cars in Palmerston North for the match; approximately that number was parked in the Square and streets.