RUGBY DINNER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23486, 25 October 1939, Page 14

RUGBY DINNER

AUCKLAND FUNCTION COACHES AND SECRETARIES SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES The annual complimentary dinner tendered by the Auckland Rugby Union's Combined Clubs' Social Committee to club coaches and secretaries was held at tho Hotel Auckland last evening. Mr. G. Orrell, chairman, presided over an attendance of over 200. After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. J. A. Cleal proposed the toast of "The Auckland Rugby Union and Associated Committees." In reply, Mr. A. A. Baker, chairman of the Auckland union, said the past season had been the most successful in Auckland for the past 12 or 15 years. Reports frorn tho affiliated sub-unions and secondary and primary schools also showed that a splendid season had been experienced in those spheres. Mr. Baker's remarks that it was pleasing to see that so many Rugby players had enlisted for Voluntary service, either at homo or abroad, wero greeted with loud applause. "During the last war tho game suffered a severe setback," added the speaker. "On this occasion we must do our best to see that the gamo is kept going and I ask all who remain behind to stand loyally by their clubs." The toast of "Club Coaches and Secretaries" was proposed by Mr. ,T. Herrick, who made reference to the great work done by these officials in the respective clubs. Mr. P. J. Sheehan replied, remarking that tho function that evening was the finest held in any part of New Zealand. The speaker paid a glowing tributo to tho work done by the Auckland Rugby Union's administrators during the last war. At Mr. Sheehan's request Sergeant F. Arnold, who was present in uniform, and Mr. A. A. Lucas, both stood and were loudly cheered as the speaker mentioned that they were both members of New Zealand Army teams during the last war. Mr. R. B. Hardy proposed the toast of "The Referees' .Association," Mr. J. B. Flnlayson, chairman of the association, responding. Tho toast of tho press and radio was proposed by Mr. T. O'Brien. Subsequently the gathering adjourned to tho Chamber of Commerce to witness a screening of tho Rugby film, "Control of the Oval," made in Auckland by C. S. Pepper, tho Auckland and All Black forward, and R. Bowie, with the assistance of several well-known Auckland and New Zealand representatives. The film, which deals with all phases of the game, both forward and back play, tackling and kicking, created much favourable comment and was frequently applauded. It will be shown among the various clubs and schools in due course.