NEW RUGBY TROPHY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19412, 21 August 1926, Page 12

NEW RUGBY TROPHY.

THE SOUTHLAND SHIELD. PRESENTATION CEREMONY. The handsome Southland Shield was last, evening presented to the Auckland Rugby Union at the Grammar Clubrooms by Mr. T. Meredith, on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust, Mr. Meredith said the shield had been presented as a token of-the trust's appreciation of the support accorded by the i Auckland public to its recent art union. This venture had-secured for the trust 8 profit of £20,000, which was being devoted to improvement work in the cause of Southland Rugby football. In making the presentation the. only stipulation he had to voice was that the trophy should not-be won outright. It had been suggested the shield should be allocated for competition as an aggregate shield, the winner to be the club securing the highest percentage of wins*in all or some of the various grades. Thus every club would have an equal chance of victory and junior players would receive extra encouragement. In receiving the shield on behalf of the* Auckland Rugby Union, the president, Mr. J. Arneil, said it was one of the best he had ever seen. The spirit prompting its presentation was deeply appreciated and the donors could rest assured that, their. recommendation would receive every consideration. Mr. M. Sheehan,. vice-president of .the union, also expressed his appreciation 'Mr. H. Frost, chairman of the Management Committee, said junior football in Auckland would benefit greatly by the gift arid the players would certainly have a worthy trophy to'strive, for. . Beforo the gathering dispersed three cheers were given. for the donors.