Dinner And Dance For Shield Challengers

Northern Advocate, 1 September 1947, Page 6

Dinner And Dance For Shield Challengers

(Special) KAIKOHE, This Day. Another of those now famous dozencourse dinners—with toheroa fritters and roast turkey as the highlights—was served up to players and officials of the Mangonui and Bay of Islands Rugby Unions in the Kaikohe Hotel after the Harding Shield game on Saturday. Toastmaster Joe Cotter, of Moerewa, leS off with the Loyal Toast before calling on the Mangonui manager (Mr Jerry Wilson) to propose the health of the Bay Rugby Union and fifteen. “Not many teams in New Zealand could do what we today have tried to do”—that was his tribute to the Bay. President of the Bay union (Mr H. T. Atkinson) and the Bay skipper (Stan Young) responded. The Bay team manager (Mr I. H. Pausina) honoured the Mangonui union and fifteen, responses being given by the union president (Mr J. Cowie) and team captain (Mr Joe Murray). The selectors (Mr W. Barclay for the Bay, Messrs M. Yates, P. Weber and F. Evans for Mangonui) were toasted by the Bay union secretary (Mr A. E. J. Corr), each of the quartette responding. MANGONUI FORWARDS PRAISED Mr Barclay thought the Mangonui forwards the better on the day, although his own backs were superior to their opposite numbers. He paid a special tribute to the referee. Dr M. N. Paewai proposed the referee's health. In Mr Morrison's absence, Mr W. P. Sutherland replied, explaining a point raised by Dr Paewai—an appeal by a player to the referee.

■ Mr Cotter gave a joint toast to the dinner hosts (Mr and Mrs N. McDonald), the officials, the Press—and. most importantly, the chef. Responses came from Messrs McDonald. J. B. Smith and F. Molesworth. The Mangonui president asked the gathering to drink the health of the toastmaster, who had made the show a great success. Vocal items were given by Dr Paewai and a Maori girls’ choir, by two of the Mangonui players (Hemi and J. Reid), and by a mixed group consisting of Paewai, Cherrington. Joe Murray, John Smith, Stan Young and Sid Pausina.

A highly successful dance in the evening, at the Recreational Hall, netted £lB at the door. Speeches of welcome and thanks were again made. Cochrane’s orchestra provided enjoyable music.